Israel Railways: freight and passenger rail transport

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In Israel, within the framework of state policy, special attention has recently been paid to the modernization of freight and rail transport.

Israel Railways is a rare example of recovery when a nearly forgotten and unused mode of transport has become a mainstream mode of transportation, especially for passenger transportation.

What are Israeli railways

Israel's railways have a relatively small total length - approximately 750 km. They have a fairly extensive network that covered all the cities of the country, connecting the center with remote corners of the country. Almost 50 railway stations and stations are equipped here. Tel Aviv has 4 train stations, and Haifa has 6. Thanks to this, you can get to the station from almost anywhere in the city.

Both freight trains and modern trains designed to transport passengers pass through the country's railway lines. They consist of one-story and two-storywagons. Departure of passenger trains occurs 2-3 times per hour at peak times, and off-peak - 1 time per hour. On the route from Nahariya to Haifa, Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport, trains run at night, stopping at Haifa's Hof HaCarmel station and Tel Aviv's Merkaz. All other stations in these cities are closed after midnight.

Construction history

Israeli railways have a long history. Their construction began when the Turkish and British authorities ruled the country. The idea of building a railway track was first voiced by Moses Montefiore, a British Jewish financier. And 1892 was the year Israel built the railroad. At that time, the first single-track line 82 km long was laid. It connected the city of Jaffa (now it is a district of Tel Aviv) and Jerusalem. This distance could be covered in 4 hours. In Jerusalem, the railway line was opened in 1892. In the city of Jaffa, the station has survived to this day, which was recently reconstructed, and the building was given to the museum and entertainment center.

The Turks, owning the Middle East, in 1900 developed a project for the construction of a railway track in Palestine. It was supposed to lie between Istanbul and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The project was developed under the leadership of the Turkish Sultan Abdullah Hamid II, and German engineers were engaged in the technical part. As a result, a line was built connecting Istanbul and Medina. But the British who came to power did not allow the Turks to use it. There was another attempt to build a railway between Palestine and Egypt, but itwas not completed.

The cities of Haifa and Beit Shean were connected by a branch line in 1904, and in the following year, 1905, a line was built connecting Haifa and Damascus. The Turkish military railway line between Afula, Beer Sheva and the Sinai desert opened in 1915.

After the country gained independence in 1950, a new branch line Haifa - Tel Aviv - Jerusalem was opened in Israel. And for the first time after a long war, regular railway communication was established here. In 1954, a railway station was opened in Tel Aviv. A line was built and opened between Beer Sheva and Dimona in 1965 to transport goods.

Modern Development

Israel's railways continue to develop and modernize intensively. Opened in 1991 to Rehovot, a branch line was ordered for several new diesel locomotives. Israeli lines in 1992 were replenished with modern IC3 - Diesel trains. Spain in 1997 sent comfortable passenger cars to the country. And in 1998, new diesel locomotives were received from Spain.

Israel's railways are getting more and more comfortable. Using their services, it became convenient to move around the country.

Israel Railways Today

Today, almost 410 trains are used every day to transport passengers on nine railway lines. Each train consists of six cars, there are trains of 12 cars. Trains on certain sections of the road maydevelop a speed of about 160 km / h. But there is no extra noise or shaky feeling.

Inside the carriages there are seats on both sides, tables between them. Near each seat you can see plastic bags for garbage. Each car is equipped with air conditioning with climate control and soft fluorescent lighting. Each train has a toilet, you can see a map of the movement. As part of a traveling trade in a light snack, which includes water and sandwiches. Here you can enjoy free Wi-Fi. All the way, each station name is accompanied by an audio and visual announcement.

Purchasing tickets and train schedules

The level of service in Israel corresponds to the European one, where each passenger is guaranteed travel in comfortable conditions with pleasant service.

To purchase tickets, you can use vending machines or buy them directly at the box office. Moreover, tickets are not bought for a specific trip, but from one point to another. Transfers in the paid direction can be done an unlimited number of times. Tickets are in the form of a plastic card with a built-in magnetic stripe. They can be bought both for one trip and for several, both in one direction and in the opposite direction. Purchased single tickets can only be used throughout the day when the ticket was purchased, and multiple tickets - throughout the month.

The stations are equipped with turnstiles at the entrance and exit. Baggage is not paid separately. It can be transferred by itself or with the help ofon duty, using a special gate.

It is almost impossible to ride for free on an Israeli train, as controllers work in almost every train, and the fines for trying to ride for free are quite high.

To find out the train schedule, you can go to the Israel Railways website. Also here you can find out any change made to the schedule.

Management company

Today, all passenger and freight transportation on the railway is handled by the state-owned company of Israel Railways - Rakevet Yisrael. It was organized in 2003 under the leadership of the Minister of Transport of the country.

Given the size of the country and how densely populated its center and north, it can be argued that Israel Railways is considered the leading passenger and freight operator. This type of transport is especially in demand among the local population.

Passenger and freight trains run both in the suburbs and between the cities of the country. But the railway is not connected with other states.

Tourist destinations are especially popular, especially Ashkelon - Tel Aviv. This is the busiest route.

Freight transport

The main means of transporting goods in Israel are freight trains. Using them, bulk materials are transported - these are minerals found in the Negev desert and in the Dead Sea region. Container traffic also occupies a significant place. But freight transportcompared to passenger small.

Shabbat holiday in the country

The most important Jewish holiday Shabbat in Israel is celebrated every week. It starts on Friday evening, after sunset. It lasts until Saturday evening.

At this time, all transport stops working, and trains, unlike buses, stop running a couple of hours earlier. In winter, this happens around 15:00, and in summer at 16-17.

Advantages and disadvantages of rail transport

Israel's rail links, in particular passenger transportation, have a number of advantages. Compared to bus transport, trains move faster and strictly on schedule, as their movement is not affected by traffic jams, traffic lights, or the speed limit that exists for cars. The fare for a trip by rail is higher compared to the cost of a trip by bus. But the train ride will be more comfortable and safer.

One of the drawbacks is that the trains make few stops and are far from the city center. Also, trains do not run to the northernmost regions of the country.