Project Profile: Tel Aviv Purple Line Light Rail

The Tel Aviv Purple Line is a critical light rail transit (LRT) project designed to enhance urban mobility across the southern and eastern corridors of the Tel Aviv-Yafo metropolitan area. This extensive project utilizes the high-capacity CAF Urbos 100 rolling stock platform to deliver a modern, accessible, and efficient public transport solution. The line will integrate with the existing Red Line and future Green Line, forming the backbone of the region’s mass transit network.

Technical Specifications

The Purple Line’s core infrastructure is engineered for high-frequency urban service. The line is built to a standard gauge of 1435mm and is primarily powered by a 750V DC overhead catenary system. Selected segments may leverage onboard energy storage systems (batteries) integrated into the CAF Urbos trams, allowing for catenary-free operation in visually sensitive or complex urban areas. This dual-power capability ensures operational flexibility and reduces visual intrusion.

The rolling stock consists of 98 five-module CAF Urbos 100 series trams. Each vehicle features a 100% low-floor design, guaranteeing seamless level boarding for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges. The modular interior is configured for high-density passenger flow, incorporating multi-purpose areas for wheelchairs and bicycles, advanced climate control, and real-time passenger information systems (PIS). The trams are fully bidirectional, enabling efficient turnarounds at terminal stations without the need for turning loops.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Network Integration: The Purple Line is not a standalone project but a vital east-west connector that will intersect with the Red and Green lines, creating a comprehensive and integrated metropolitan rail network that significantly reduces reliance on private vehicles.
• Advanced Rolling Stock Platform: The selection of the CAF Urbos platform demonstrates a commitment to proven, modern LRV technology. Its modularity, low-floor accessibility, and potential for catenary-free operation provide a future-proof solution tailored to Tel Aviv’s specific urban requirements.
• Major Public-Private Partnership Model: The project’s delivery through a consortium of international (CAF) and local (Shapir) experts showcases a successful model for financing and executing large-scale, complex infrastructure projects, blending global manufacturing expertise with local construction capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Tel Aviv Purple Line open?

The Tel Aviv Purple Line is currently under construction. Phased opening for passenger service is projected to begin in 2027, with the full line expected to be operational by late 2028, subject to construction and testing schedules.

Who is building the Tel Aviv Purple Line?

The project is being delivered for the NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System by a joint venture. The consortium is led by the Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF, responsible for the trams and systems, and the Israeli construction and infrastructure firm Shapir Engineering, which is leading the civil works.