And the Generali Building is really only a hop, skip and a jump from Tzahal Square, though that is probably of little comfort to the merchants who have seen business disrupted for the weeks that Jaffa Road was closed. Apparently, 17 kilometers of the 27 kilometer track have already been laid, which means only 10 kilometers more of torture and then clean, convenient mass transit is on its way.

Although in all likelyhood it will be at least another year until the system is completed, City Pass - the company in charge of the Light Rail construction - is aiming for December 2010 (the date has already been postponed a number of times). Regardless, the first rail station was already inaugurated at Ammunition Hill on February 27th. So hope is in the air, despite the complaints of Jaffa Road merchants and anyone trying to make their way through the city center. The sooner the better.