Public transport in Jerusalem has become a daily test of patience for many passengers. Fares are expensive, buses and light rail services do not always run on schedule, peak-hour crowding is common, and unbearable traffic jams can turn a short journey into a long and unpredictable one. For commuters trying to reach work, school or an appointment on time, relying on the system often feels like a gamble.
Against this background, another major stage of the public transport lane project on Begin Boulevard was completed on Friday, June 19. The work is taking place along the section between the Lifta Interchange and Golda Meir Boulevard, where a new traffic arrangement has now been introduced.
What has changed on Begin Boulevard in Jerusalem?
Work on the eastern side of the section included rock excavation, covering and cladding, the installation of underground infrastructure and preparation of the route. Once this stage was completed, traffic was moved to the new alignment, allowing construction to continue on the western side through September.
The Lifta Tunnel was closed overnight between Thursday and Friday to allow the switch to the new traffic arrangement. It reopened on Friday as planned. According to the current schedule, work on this section should be completed within about two months, after which it is expected to reopen with four full traffic lanes.
Transport Minister Miri Regev noted: “We are clearing the way for public transport and providing residents and visitors to the capital with faster, more efficient and more reliable travel.” She added that expanding the network of dedicated lanes is intended to shorten journey times and improve connections between different parts of Jerusalem.
Can one additional bus lane solve Jerusalem’s transport problems?
The new lane may help buses move more quickly along this central route, but it cannot solve the city’s wider transport problems on its own. Without sufficient service frequency, reliable timetables, effective connections between routes and better management of congestion on nearby roads, new infrastructure may still provide only a partial solution.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion explained: “We are advancing additional public transport lanes that will enable more efficient, faster and more accessible movement.” Passengers, however, are likely to judge the project by what happens in practice – waiting times, crowding and whether they can actually reach their destination on time.
When will the Begin Boulevard project be completed?
Further work is planned, including bridge installation and the construction of bicycle paths. Temporary traffic closures are expected during some stages, with advance notice due to be provided to the public.
Transport Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken emphasized: “We are continuing to develop advanced infrastructure that combines public transport, bicycle paths and smart transport solutions.” He also thanked the public for its patience and cooperation during the construction period.
The entire project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Only after it becomes fully operational will it be possible to determine whether the Begin Boulevard bus lane has genuinely made public transport in Jerusalem more reliable – or simply added another long period of construction along the way.
