An analysis of daily passenger traffic shows a 22% increase in December compared with December 2011. While growth continued on the recently-opened Tel Aviv -Rishon Le Zion West - Yavne West line, there was particularly strong growth on lines from Tel Aviv to Beer Sheba and Jerusalem following the completion of upgrades. Traffic increased by 29% between Tel Aviv and Netanya and by 16% on the Tel-Aviv - Haifa section.

Last year, Israel Railways achieved a number of milestones including the introduction of several new trains, operating the upgraded Tel Aviv - Beer Sheba line, completion of track-doubling between Hod Hasharon and Tel Aviv, extension of night train operations, installation of real-time passenger information systems at stations, introduction of a multi-line smart card, and the conclusion of a collective work agreement designed to put an end to labour conflicts.