CityPass, the company which runs Jerusalem's light rail train, announced on Thursday that starting Sunday January 1, 2017, passengers would be able to use money already on their "Rav Kav" cards, and not have to buy a separate ticket.
The Rav Kav cards allow passengers to charge their card with 30, 50, 100, 150, or 200 NIS. Passengers eligible for discounts receive them automatically through their Rav Kav cards.
Until now, the light rail train forced passengers without Jerusalem-area weekly or monthly passes to pay the full fare, even if they deserved a transfer or the 50% discount for children and pensioners.
The new regulation will allow passengers with discounts, including children, students, and pensioners, to receive their appropriate reductions. It will also shorten lines at the light rail pay stations, since more people will be able to board using their Rav Kav, instead of having to wait in line to buy a separate ticket.
Citypass CEO Yaron Ravid said the new arrangement will help the light rail become more "efficient and reliable."
"We wish the passengers of the light rail train and the residents of Jerusalem a happy holiday and a safe journey," he said.