In a packed Istanbul passenger ferry between Europe and Asia, all eyes turn to one commuter enjoying the view from his window.

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Boji, a street dog, has become a regular sight on ferries, buses, and metro trains in Europe's largest city. A devoted commuter, the dog enjoys long journeys on public transport, up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) on a regular weekday.

Istanbul municipality officials who record the dog's trips with a microchip say he drops by at least 29 metro stations a day and was even tracked at sea, taking a weekend break to the Princes' Islands off the city's coast.

With golden-brown fur, dark eyes, and floppy ears, Boji started to draw attention two months ago.

"We noticed a dog using our metros and trains and he knows where to go. He knows where to get out," said Aylin Erol, from Metro Istanbul. "It's like he has a purpose."

Data collected from his tracking device shows historic tram lines are Boji's favorite but he is also a frequent subway commuter. Erol says the dog respects public transport rules and waits for disembarking passengers before hopping on the train.

He enjoys traveling on the middle part of a subway carriage, or boji in Turkish - hence the name which officials gave him.

Erol says he brought color into the lives of 1.3 million commuters of the metropolis. Istanbulites post pictures of him on social media, and his own accounts have more than 50,000 followers.

"You take the train and, suddenly, you see Boji. And look at him. He lies, just like this. You just smile and catch the moment, really. This is what Boji evokes for Istanbulites. He also reminds us that we can still enjoy Istanbul as we rush about."

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Smotrich and Katz hopped aboard for a ride to Tel Aviv, the first time a full-length train has traveled the entire length of the distance.

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Until now, the fast train from Jerusalem has operated only as far as the airport, where passengers were forced to change trains on route to Tel Aviv or other destinations. Starting on Saturday night, the switch will be a thing of the past.

The first trains to and from Jerusalem on Saturday are scheduled to leave Hahagana and Navon stations at 9:56 p.m. The journey takes 32-34 minutes. Each train stops at the airport. For now, there will be two trains an hour between 6:20 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday. On Saturday nights, one train per hour will run between the hours of 9:56 p.m. and midnight.

Katz, who served as transportation minister until last year and oversaw much of the work on the new line, said that "After years of struggles and hard work, Jerusalem is linked to Tel Aviv. This is a historic trip on the King David tracks, which join the City of David to Tel Aviv and the rest of the country," he said Wednesday.

"This is of tremendous importance in strengthening the capital of Israel. My message is clear: This is how you build a country and make it stronger. The work was done without problems or accidents, and the line is safe," Katz added.

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