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TEL AVIV: Israel’s public transport system is being revolutionised with the help of China.
Like some cities in Southeast Asia, Tel Aviv motorists can spend hours a day backed up in traffic
For commuters like Keren Bar, it has become unbearable. On more than one occasion she has considered relocating to save her the hours and hassle she wastes on the city’s roads.
“The traffic situation here is really hard,” she said. “I live within the city and it takes me more than an hour sometimes to get to work. The traffic here is just really, really bad so I think something should be done with it.”
Other cities in Israel have faced - and solved - the same problem.
For years, downtown Jerusalem was almost impossible to drive through. But a light rail train system, which runs through the heart of the city, has done more than just relieve traffic woes - it has lifted the spirits of people who live here.
The same - and more - is now being done in Tel Aviv. After years of preparation and numerous delays, a complex construction system is finally on track.
It involves different types of rapid transits like a light rail above ground, an underground train and a refreshed bus service. It is the largest and most complex transport project the country has ever undertaken.
However, Israelis lack experience in building rails and underground tunnel digging, and so have looked to the China Railway Tunnel Group for assistance.
“This isn’t the first time Chinese companies have been involved in infrastructural building in Israel,” said Daniel Cogan, a NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System spokesman.
“They’ve been involved in the north of the country, and now they’re building a traffic tunnel on the way to Jerusalem. At the end of the day, the knowledge, expertise and professionalism that the Chinese bring with them are what Israel needs.”
China Railway has been involved in the construction of nearly 23,000 kilometres of electrified railway lines throughout China.
Its subsidiary, The China Railway Tunnel Group, is investing close to US$8 million in the Tel Aviv project.
The benefits of which travel in both directions.
“Chinese interests in Israel is what actually in return creates Israeli interests in China, so it’s a collaborative approach that is encouraging cooperation between both countries,” said Michal Chetrit, managing director at the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce. “Israel specifically of course has interests in Chinese capital and the Chinese can in fact invest a lot of financing in the Israeli market, so it’s a win-win situation.”
The construction is expected to last for at least six years and major delays in the city’s traffic and transportation are predicted.
Shop owners in the vicinity are also bracing for short term losses.
But the long term benefits of clever urban planning and better traffic control are propelling these cities full steam ahead.
Israel-China light rail project to relieve Tel Aviv's traffic woes - Channel NewsAsia
@Chinese-Dragon
Like some cities in Southeast Asia, Tel Aviv motorists can spend hours a day backed up in traffic
For commuters like Keren Bar, it has become unbearable. On more than one occasion she has considered relocating to save her the hours and hassle she wastes on the city’s roads.
“The traffic situation here is really hard,” she said. “I live within the city and it takes me more than an hour sometimes to get to work. The traffic here is just really, really bad so I think something should be done with it.”
Other cities in Israel have faced - and solved - the same problem.
For years, downtown Jerusalem was almost impossible to drive through. But a light rail train system, which runs through the heart of the city, has done more than just relieve traffic woes - it has lifted the spirits of people who live here.
The same - and more - is now being done in Tel Aviv. After years of preparation and numerous delays, a complex construction system is finally on track.
It involves different types of rapid transits like a light rail above ground, an underground train and a refreshed bus service. It is the largest and most complex transport project the country has ever undertaken.
However, Israelis lack experience in building rails and underground tunnel digging, and so have looked to the China Railway Tunnel Group for assistance.
“This isn’t the first time Chinese companies have been involved in infrastructural building in Israel,” said Daniel Cogan, a NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System spokesman.
“They’ve been involved in the north of the country, and now they’re building a traffic tunnel on the way to Jerusalem. At the end of the day, the knowledge, expertise and professionalism that the Chinese bring with them are what Israel needs.”
China Railway has been involved in the construction of nearly 23,000 kilometres of electrified railway lines throughout China.
Its subsidiary, The China Railway Tunnel Group, is investing close to US$8 million in the Tel Aviv project.
The benefits of which travel in both directions.
“Chinese interests in Israel is what actually in return creates Israeli interests in China, so it’s a collaborative approach that is encouraging cooperation between both countries,” said Michal Chetrit, managing director at the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce. “Israel specifically of course has interests in Chinese capital and the Chinese can in fact invest a lot of financing in the Israeli market, so it’s a win-win situation.”
The construction is expected to last for at least six years and major delays in the city’s traffic and transportation are predicted.
Shop owners in the vicinity are also bracing for short term losses.
But the long term benefits of clever urban planning and better traffic control are propelling these cities full steam ahead.
Israel-China light rail project to relieve Tel Aviv's traffic woes - Channel NewsAsia
@Chinese-Dragon
