Following two fatal train accidents last summer, Israel Railways had taken several steps to improve its safety record.
In a statement issued last week by Ofer Linchevsky, the new CEO of Israel Railways said it had closed all level crossings without barriers, and in the future, there will be no such level crossings without barriers.
Linchevsky added that Israel Railways will allocate over NIS 1 billion to build split level crossings at 31 separate sites across the country, where the railway track meets a busy road intersection.
In addition to the building of split level crossings Linchevsky said that a new 24-hour safety hot line (*2442) had been set up. Anyone can call to report any sign of danger along the railway network. He noted also that Israel Railways had contracted a British railway consultant who is a known expert on rail safety matters.
The expert had been commissioned to write a detailed safety report which will be submitted to Israel Railways' board of directors.
In his final statement regarding the new safety policy Linchevsky said that safety was of utmost importance to him and to Israel Railways. "Twenty seven million people - the number of passengers on Israel Railways each year - can be confident and sure that Israel Railways will continue to be the safest means of transport."
