The transport authority JTMT (Jerusalem Transportation Masterplan Team) has chosen the TransJerusalem J-Net Ltd consortium, comprised of the CAF Group and the construction firm Shapir for the Jerusalem light train project. The operation totals in exceed of EUR 1,800M.
This project is a PPP (Private-Public Partnership) scheme, and includes the construction of 27 kilometres of new track, 53 new stations and various depots covering the entire stretch of the current Red Line (6.8 kilometres), and the construction of the new Green Line which is 20.6 km long. The contract also includes the design and supply of 114 new Urbos trams for the new Green Line, and the refurbishment of the 46 units which are currently in service on the existing Red Line.
The project scope of the successful consortium will also include the supply of the signalling, energy and communication systems, as well as the operation and maintenance of both lines for 15 and 25 years respectively, with the possibility of extending the term of operation.
The CAF Group’s supply part of this project exceeds EUR 500M and consists of the supply of new units and the refurbishment of existing ones, the supply of signalling, energy and communication systems in addition to project integration. The Group will also have a 50% stake in the SPV company that will manage the operation and maintenance of both lines, the business volume of which is estimated to be circa EUR 1,000M.
The project is expected to be implemented early this year with the new network fully operative by 2025.
It should also be pointed out that the TransJerusalem J-Net Ltd consortium was selected over the other bidding group, which consisted of the companies Shikun & Binui and Egged (Israel), CRRC (China), Comsa (Spain), Efatec (Portugal) and MPK (Poland).
The tram's Red Line currently extends along 13.8 km with 23 stations distributed on the route, was inaugurated in 2011 and providing transport to over 145,000 passengers on average per day. With the extension of this line and the construction of the new one the citizens of the Israeli city will benefit from a more efficient and complete railway transport network.