Breaking Update
Tel Aviv Light Rail to Restore Partial Service After Wartime Disruptions
The Tel Aviv light rail will partially resume service Monday, operating daytime hours on above-ground sections, with underground stations remaining public.
Jerusalem, 19 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Tel Aviv area light rail is returning to operations as normal in a phased manner, after disruptions due to the war with Iran. However, underground stations will continue to operate as shelters for the general public during attacks.
The above ground sections of the light rail will return to operations on Monday, but with shorter hours – daytime only from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The train will operate in two split sections: a southern section – between Bat Yam and Elifat Station, and a northern section – in Petah Tikva from Central Station to Shenkar Station.
The operation of the above-ground section is intended to provide a partial transportation response, while maintaining the continued functioning of the underground stations as public shelters that constitute a significant component in protecting the residents of the metropolis, especially in areas where there is a shortage of protected spaces.
The decision was made after consulting with security officials and the Home Front Command, and within the framework of a balance between the need to make shelters available to the public, and the importance of operating a public transportation system, even if partially.
As part of an examination of all operational and safety aspects, it was found that at this stage it is not possible to operate the train in the underground sections, in a way that would simultaneously allow full and safe use of the stations as shelters.
