More than a million visitors are expected to go "up" to
Yerushalayim this coming Succos and most are expected to use
public transportation for at least part of their travel. At
least half-a-million are expected to go to pray at the
Kosel.
The Ministry of Transport in consultation with the Jerusalem
City government has developed plans to bolster the public
transport system to deal with the increase. Many of the bus
lines will run with increased frequency, and special routes
will bring people to the Kosel.
A special 1-Alef line will bring people directly from
various neighborhoods to the Kosel, including Ramat Shlomo,
Ramot, Neve Yaakov, Har Nof, Givat Shaul, Bayit Vegan and
others. A new line numbered 333 will shuttle between Shmuel
Hanovi street (the Stone Stop) and the Kosel. A shuttle will
also operate from Teddy Stadium to the Kosel. The regular 1
and 3 lines will run with increased frequency.
A special line will run between Yosef Burg Street (near
Agrippas) and Mearas Hamachpela, with over 100 buses armored
against gunfire.
It is hoped that the new light rail system will help relieve
the congestion.
