Commuters cautiously return to railways after three-month halt

Commuters returned in modest numbers to the railways on Monday morning, as trains renewed operations for the first time in almost three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trains are currently limited to 500 passengers and would-be travelers must reserve a place online from 48 hours ahead of their journey.

Entry to train stations is conditional upon preserving a reservation, temperature of travelers is checked upon entry to stations, and masks must be worn at all times during the journey, Israel Railways emphasized repeatedly prior to renewing services.

While passenger demand may yet exceed the new limit on train capacity, no such fears materialized on the first day of railway travel. Fewer than 100 tickets were reserved on some rush hour services, including on the popular Tel Aviv-Jerusalem route. Passengers reported surprisingly light footfall at train stations across the network.

"Returning the train with a unique model demonstrates our desire, on one hand, to look after public health and, on the other hand, ensure economic continuity," Transportation Minister Miri Regev told reporters at Tel Aviv Hahagana station on Monday morning.

"I call on the public to adhere to Health Ministry instructions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu always talks about the accordion model. Whatever we have opened, we can close, and vice versa."

In addition to wearing a mask at all times, Israel Railways urged passengers to maintain social distancing at all times, and that eating and drinking is not permitted.

One hi-tech employee commuting from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv told The Jerusalem Post that he was excited to "finally be able to take the train" after weeks of bus travel.

"It was pretty empty," he said. "There was a stand outside the station in Jerusalem to make a reservation, because you need one to enter the station. The train still only goes to Tel Aviv Hahagana station, which was really disappointing."

Last week, Israel Railways said the extended Jerusalem-Tel Aviv route to Tel Aviv Savidor will open to the public in the "coming weeks."   

Initially, nighttime trains will not be in operation and services connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will not stop at Ben-Gurion Airport.

Disruption will also be caused to several lines due to ongoing electrification work on the railway stretching from Tel Aviv to Ashkelon, and the Sharon Railway line which promises to connect Kfar Saba, Ra'anana and Herzliya to the coastal railway.