Tel Aviv Central Bus Station Closure Approved, Temporary Terminal Planned

A joint committee of the Knesset's Education, Culture and Sports, and Interior and Environmental Protection committees has approved a limited change in land use at Mikveh Israel, south of Tel Aviv, to establish a temporary public transport terminal. This new terminal is intended to replace a significant portion of the operations of the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, which is slated for closure after 33 years of service.

The temporary terminal will be located north of Highway 44 on a 134-dunam site, with the facility itself occupying approximately 41 dunams. According to Ayalon Highways, the terminal is expected to open between 2031 and 2032 and will handle about 60% of the Central Bus Station's public transport activity. This facility will serve as a temporary solution until a permanent terminal is constructed at the Ben Tzvi complex in Holon.

The Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, opened in 1993, has faced criticism for its functionality and condition. Concurrently, some public transport operations have already shifted to other locations in the Gush Dan area, and the station has become a focal point for disputes over environmental nuisances and bus traffic in southern Tel Aviv.

The approval was granted under the Mikveh Israel Agricultural School Law, requiring specific authorizations for land use changes. The committee determined that the public benefit of the projects justified the change, while emphasizing the need to preserve Mikveh Israel's rights and the possibility of returning the land to its original purpose after the temporary use, which is capped at 25 years.

MK Zvi Sukkot stressed the committee's request for the state to make every effort to restore the land. Sarit Goldstein, CEO of Mikveh Israel, acknowledged the national importance but highlighted the need to protect the institution's rights and its agricultural and educational uses. She expressed doubt about the feasibility of agricultural use after 25 years but suggested alternative farming methods could be employed.

Alongside the transport terminal, the committee also approved a change for a subterranean drainage culvert as part of the "Ayalon River Culvert to the Sea" project. This culvert, not exceeding 20 dunams, aims to improve drainage in Gush Dan, reduce flood risks, and support the Fourth Line railway project. Representatives from Ayalon Highways and the Ministry of Agriculture underscored the necessity of this drainage project to manage runoff effectively.