The Light Rail Awards – the industry’s “Oscars” – is an internationally recognized mark of excellence celebrating excellence and innovation for suppliers, manufacturers, operators and cities engaged in the light rail industry worldwide.

In a ceremony held in London a few days ago, Israel’s Ministry of Transport and the Jerusalem Municipality – Transportation Masterplan Team – were the winners of the Light Rail Awards 2015 in the Best Environmental & Sustainability Initiative category. The prize is awarded by the International Light Rail Organization for excellence and innovation in the light rail sector.

Commenting on this award, the judges said “This is one of the outstanding projects in the world of light rail. The figures alone mark this entry as a clear winner. Cutting air pollution in central Jerusalem by a staggering 85% in three years proves that modern light rail enhances cities far beyond just providing a mode of transport. This city has an undeniably challenging environment, but the tramway has revitalized and re-energized its environment and the communities it serves.”