Israel Railways announced a new record in the number of passengers. According to data for 2013, Israel Railways carried 45 million passengers, 12% more than in 2012.
The growth continues the trend in passenger traffic, which began in 2012 after three years of stagnation (40 million passengers in 2012 and 36 million in 2011.)
Most of the growth in passenger traffic was due to the opening of new lines, such as the line to west Rishon LeZion, the double-tracking of the line to Beer Sheva and the commissioning of new rolling stock and locomotives.
During 2013, Israel Railways put into service 18 new double-decker carriages, which increased its capacity by 20,000 seats. It also put into service 15 locomotives.
According to Israel Railways' data for 2013, the average percentage of trains on time rose to 93.3% from 90% in 2012. Israel Railways is the state-owned principal railway company responsible for all inter-city, commuter, and freight rail transport in Israel.
