News Brief07:21 AM

(IsraelNN.com) A new ultra-modern express train service between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is allegedly being delayed even further, according to officials in the Prime Minister’s Office. The $750 million express route, which is under construction after a three year delay, was expected to begin running in 2013.  Now, the delay is reportedly being extended even further. Prime Minister's Office Director-General Raanan Dinur, said the rail line budget was “not at the top of the government's list of priorities.” He also noted that train lines in northern Israel took precedence over Jerusalem since they were on the periphery.  "As a Jerusalemite, I will tell you that we will have to wait years - even many years - to get to Tel Aviv in 28 minutes."  Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, a major advocate of the proposed express service, insisted that the project continue as planned: "We will insist on it, because this line strengthens Jerusalem and will allow people to live in the capital."

If completed, the express train, which will also stop at Modi'in and Ben-Gurion International Airport, would be the fastest method of transportation between the capital and Tel Aviv. Train service between the two cities restarted in 2005, but the current trip is nearly two hours long, with passengers required to change trains in Bet Shemesh (while bus service takes about one hour).