Train passengers reach all-time record

By SYBIL EHRLICH
The total number of passengers using Israel Railways in January was 2,597,084, an increase of 18.5 percent compared to the same month last year, and the largest number ever in a single month. IR chaiman Moshe Leon said the significant growth in numbers was an indication of the great importance of improving convenience for passengers, including the additional value and safety that rail transport gave the public. He said IR would continue with its development program, opening new lines to link the periphery to the center, which will eventually serve 60 million passengers a year. IR director-general Ofer Linczewski said the growth in passenger use was a sign that the public was voting with its feet.