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Thursday, October 15, 2026

Collateral Damage from J-Walking - Crossing Before Moving Lightrail

Jerusalem Lightrail photographed at a different time

Yesterday afternoon on the Jerusalem lightrail, just a couple of stops before Ammunition Hill, the train stopped so quickly, it almost jumped off the tracks. The young woman sitting across from me flew onto me, her knee hitting my thigh. A kid or a few had run in front of the moving train causing our driver to stop super short or crash into them. It's a miracle he succeeded. The guilty kid/s weren't hit, nor were there any serious injuries in the bus. Lots of people flew around. A few seconds of bedlam, and then we passengers, Jews, Arabs and others suffered together and together cared about each other thankful for survival.

When it stopped at the stop, the driver asked if anyone needed medical care. I replied to those who were concerned that there was nothing a doctor could do. Within a few hours I already had a humongous slightly swollen black and blue mark, where I had been injured.

Too many people walk across the tracks, even when they see a train approaching. They are endangering themselves and others. I'd hate to think that the drivers could be penalized when they're not guilty.

There were many elderly on the train-- I wasn't the oldest for sure. A bad fall or bang could also seriously injure the young and fit.

There should be a camera on the front of the trains filming everyone and everything that passes in front of it. Those dangerous careless people endanger all-- including themselves. They should be arrested/ticketed/fined like any J-Walkers who cross at a red light.

6 comments:

  1. Thank G-d passengers are safe albeit shaken and terribly bruised... Sure sounds like the youth were playing chicken, an incredibly dangerous, reckless, impulsive, risk taking that endangered theirs, yours and others lives. No doubt they consider themselves brave and courageous. Definitely the enforcement of a hefty fine is a deterrence strategy that should put a stop to this!

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    Replies
    1. Total miracle. I see too many people of all ages ignoring the trains.

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  2. So thankful that the kids crossing were spared, thankful everyone inside are ok… and Especially thankful that YOU are ok, (except the bruise)…
    I Love Batya!!! ❤️

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    Replies
    1. Thanks... traffic would have been stopped for ages if those kids had been injured.

      Delete
  3. Did you send your report if this incident, and your recommendation, to the offices of the light rail company?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't sent a report yet, though I plan on it. The company is linked in this post, so maybe they'll find it on their own. Maybe I'll also send to the Jerusalem Municipality, since they pay attention.

      Delete

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