Old City of Jerusalem tourist cable car project approved

Israel’s National Infrastructure Committee has rejected a slew of petitions against the cable car to the Old City of Jerusalem and approved the project. Long in the making, the $55 million cable car project, which is being advanced by Israel’s Tourism Ministry, now only requires approval by the government in order to proceed.

The cable car system will ferry tourists from First Station, a renovated train station complex across the valley from the Old City, to its southern entrance by the City of David. The proposed route spans several large valleys and passes along the city’s historic walls. While the project has faced opposition from some residents and environmentalists, most Jerusalem residents and even tour guides welcome this terrific solution that resolves, at least in part, the issue of reaching the Old City, especially during high-peak tourists seasons.

Tourists will no longer need to walk great distances nor will tour buses end up in heavy traffic jams as they attempt to maneuver around the narrow streets and heavy traffic.