Transportation revolution in Jerusalem: Test runs begin on the L4 line

The next stage in the capital's transportation revolution has arrived: the first test run on the L4 line of the Jerusalem light rail took place today, Wednesday, on the segment between the Gonenim station and the Gilo neighborhood. The new line, operating as part of the Green Line project, is set to integrate Gilo into the city's light rail network as the third line to operate in Jerusalem.

The start of the test runs was announced by the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, the Ministry of Finance, the Jerusalem Municipality, the Transportation Master Plan Team ("Transport for Jerusalem"), and the "Cfir" company. This maiden voyage marks the official transition to the testing and inspection phase ahead of opening the line for commercial service. All this comes just 10 days after the official opening of the L3 line.

In the coming period, comprehensive checks of the train, operational, and service systems will be carried out, alongside safety inspections and the completion of procedures required by international standards.

Upon commercial operation, the L4 line will become the third in the network, joining the veteran L1 line (Neve Yaakov–Hadassah Ein Kerem) and the L3 line (HaTurim–Malcha), which opened on August 21, 2026. This progress reflects the transition from a single-line system to a wide, interconnected rail network linking residential areas to employment and service centers.

"An engine for economic growth, another step towards exiting the traffic jams"

Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brigadier General (Res.) Miri Regev, stated: "Jerusalem is receiving another significant boost on its way to becoming a more connected and accessible city. We continue to implement our connectivity policy, linking neighborhoods, city centers, and employment hubs. The L4 test runs are a vital step toward completing the light rail network and providing advanced public transport to the capital's residents."

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the progress: "The infrastructure revolution in Jerusalem is a central engine of growth for the entire Israeli economy. Extensive budgetary investment in the Green Line proves that when we invest in national projects that generate change, residents receive advanced transportation and the local economy leaps forward."

Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion added: "Jerusalem continues to advance with giant steps toward completing the first light rail network in Israel. Opening the L3 line just days ago and starting L4 tests today is clear evidence that we are keeping our promises. Connecting Gilo is another significant step toward making Jerusalem the first city in Israel to overcome traffic congestion."

Director General of the Ministry of Transport Moshe Ben Zaken emphasized the network's importance: "Today we see connectivity taking shape on the tracks. Expanding the network is the way to create effective public transport—not isolated lines, but a single system that allows passengers to move between areas efficiently."

Director General of Transport for Jerusalem Tamir Cohen noted the project's long-term goal: "Just 10 days after the L3 opening, we are maintaining our momentum. We will not stop here; we will continue to develop the network until we complete eight service lines, serving about 600,000 passengers a day."

Oren Cohen, CEO of the "Cfir" company, concluded: "As promised, a week and a half after the successful opening of the L3 line, test runs have begun on the L4 line to Gilo. The professionalism and experience of Cfir are being realized in Israel's first light rail network, and we will continue to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable service."