Israel’s first English travel-planning app launched for holidays

App guides visitors through capital’s streets by foot, bus or light rail.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
ENGLISH TRAVEL app launched by Jerusalem Municipality. (photo credit: COURTESY TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY)
ENGLISH TRAVEL app launched by Jerusalem Municipality.
(photo credit: COURTESY TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY)
As the High Holy Days quickly approach, the Transportation Ministry and Jerusalem Municipality launched an English traveling app for smart phones on Monday to help the thousands of visitors expected to navigate the capital’s streets and public transportation system.
While a Hebrew version of the app was supplied by the Transportation Ministry three years ago, its English counterpart is a first for the country.
Dror Gannon, executive director of the Transportation Ministry’s Public Transportation Unit, heralded the English app’s ability to afford the capital’s hundreds of thousands of annual visitors more autonomy during their travels.
“The new app is another step in the implementation of our policies to improve passenger service,” said Gannon. “Reliable information for visitors is a basic and essential component for tourists unfamiliar with the city and language."
“Many travelers rely on them every day, and now it’s time that the hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors who are coming to the capital of Israel – especially during the holidays – will be able to navigate it easily.”
Moreover, Gannon added, if the app is successful, it will serve as a model for the rest of the country.
Meanwhile, Nadav Meroz, CEO of the Jerusalem Transportation Master Plan, lauded the app as revolutionary.
“Travel information apps have become an integral part of the city’s public transport system...We are confident that it will help many travelers,” he said.
The app, which will feature instructions and directions by foot, bus, and light rail, can be downloaded at no cost. For instructions go to jet.org.il.