ISRAEL: CRRC Changchun rolled out the first of the light metro vehicles it is supplying for the Red Line in Tel Aviv on April 16.

Project promoter NTA signed a contract at the end of 2015 for 90 vehicles with an option for 30 more. The rolling stock will be equipped with air-conditioning and LED lighting. NTA Systems & Technologies Vice-President Efi Kalifa was present at the roll-out ceremony, which included a test ride at the factory.

Due to open in October 2021, the 23 km Red Line will link Petakh Tikva northeast of Tel Aviv with Bat Yam to the south, with around half the route underground. The 1 435 mm gauge line is being electrified at 1·5 kV DC.