Israel's Public Transport System Fails After Two-Year Investigation
A comprehensive two-year investigation, "Undercover Traveler," visited 100 public transportation hubs across Israel, from Kiryat Shmona in the north to Eilat in the south, revealing a system plagued by delays, neglect, and stalled projects. The series highlighted how Israel has lost its way in developing a functional public transportation network, a stark contrast to its image as a high-tech nation.
Despite the country's technological advancements, its public transport infrastructure remains severely underdeveloped. Since 2011, only two and a half light rail lines have opened, years behind schedule, with current mass transit projects in the central region progressing too slowly to meet future demand. The periphery, meanwhile, suffers from neglected public transport, with no light rail or metro lines even in development.
Past Israeli governments have prioritized road construction over public transit, exacerbating traffic congestion. Even in the 21st century, investment in public transportation is insufficient. Transportation Minister Miri Regev reportedly halted the metro project for seven months, despite its critical importance. While a plan for a railway line from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat exists on paper, its budget and execution remain uncertain, as does the long-delayed Eilat train line.
Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems are under construction in some cities, but their effectiveness is questioned due to potentially low frequency. Regev also canceled half a billion shekels in funding for bus service improvements in 2024, with further cuts planned for 2025. Concurrently, public transport fares have increased by 45%, and a "transport justice" discount program has been criticized for failing to address the core issues of poor service and infrastructure.
The economic impact of this neglect is substantial, with traffic congestion costing the Israeli economy approximately 40 billion shekels annually, about 2% of its GDP. This figure is nearly double that of developed nations and triple that of European countries. The article concludes that without efficient, quality public transport, including service on Saturdays, Israel's economic growth will be hindered.
