On Jaffa Street in Jerusalem, one can now find perhaps the most relaxed job in the city – maybe even the world.
Two municipal inspectors sit on folding chairs at a closed light rail station, with one task only: to inform passersby, again and again, that there is no light rail today. No whistles, no trains, no movement – just shade, two bottles of water, and some casual conversations with pedestrians
While in most cities, an inspector’s job involves enforcement, supervision, or assistance, in Jerusalem it seems that “sitting and informing” has become a new kind of public service. The same scene repeats itself all day long: people ask, and the inspectors respond – calmly and with a smile: the train isn’t running. This might indeed be the calmest job in the city – maybe even the oddest one
14 weeks of disruption: connecting lines and temporary alternatives
On May 21, 2025, work began to connect the existing red line of the light rail to the new green line, expected to open in 2026. During this period, service on the central section – from the central station to Givat HaMivtar – has been suspended, including nine stations along Jaffa Street
To assist passengers, four free shuttle bus lines were activated, and several existing bus lines were extended and reinforced. However, both the municipality and the Ministry of Transportation admitted that these current alternatives are not expected to fully meet the demand, especially during the busy summer period
Meanwhile, the southern segment – from the central station to Hadassah Ein Kerem – is operating with only one train car, which cuts the capacity in half
And maybe this picture says it all: a closed station, people waiting, no train – but yes, inspectors. Sitting, calm, and informing everyone that this is not just temporary – this is Jerusalem in the summer
