Tender for Public Transport in Ma'ale Adumim and Mateh Binyamin Region Moves Forward

The tender for operating public transportation routes in the Ma'ale Adumim and Mateh Binyamin region, currently run by Electra Afikim, has reached the proposal submission stage after significant delays due to legal challenges. The process was unblocked after Egged withdrew its High Court petition against its participation in this and other tenders, following a prolonged legal battle.

The tender covers dozens of urban, regional, and intercity lines, including 37 routes in and around Ma'ale Adumim, approximately 16 regional lines, and about 12 intercity lines. The operating contract is expected to last 11 to 12 years, with an estimated value of NIS 1.3 to 1 billion, averaging around NIS 100 million annually. The tender, issued by the National Public Transport Authority, was initially published in August 2024 and includes plans for new routes alongside existing ones.

Service changes are planned, such as increased frequencies, improved connectivity between neighborhoods and demand centers, and enhanced links between Ma'ale Adumim, Jerusalem, and the light rail. Half of the planned bus fleet will be designated for intercity travel. In the Mateh Binyamin area, bulletproof and blast-resistant buses will also be operated. The winning bidder must commence operations in two phases: the first nine months after selection, and the second after 21 months.

As part of the transition, the winner will be required to purchase 29 armored buses currently used by Electra Afikim. This tender follows years of resident and local authority complaints regarding service quality, including missed trips, delays, and malfunctions, partly attributed to a severe driver shortage. With the legal proceedings concluded, the competition now proceeds to selecting the operator for the region's public transport services for the coming years.