Israel to Launch 2.5 Billion Shekel Electric Bus Network in Shefela Region

A new network of electric buses is set to launch in Israel's Shefela region, with a budget of 2.5 billion shekels over ten years. The special tender committee of the Public Transport Authority has approved the tender for a concessionaire to operate the rapid bus transit system, according to Calcalist. Netivei Ayalon plans to introduce the service by mid-2028.

The 30-kilometer network will connect Kiryat Ekron, Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Rishon LeZion, and Tel Aviv, and is projected to serve approximately 110,000 passengers daily. Initially, the system will feature two "blue" lines and the western section of a "brown" line. The blue lines will run from Bilo terminal to Elifelet and Lohamim in Rehovot, and from Bilo terminal to Hana and Sa Shapirim. The western brown line will connect Cirifin terminal to the Alef complex in western Rishon LeZion. An eastern brown line is planned for a later stage, along with additional and expanded routes.

Total weekly mileage for all lines is estimated at 216,000 kilometers. The routes will utilize dedicated infrastructure with traffic signal priority. The government will not specify bus models; the winning operator must provide electric buses meeting strict tender requirements, including prior agreements with manufacturers. Notably, the system will incorporate 24-meter articulated buses, a first for Israel outside a pilot project in Haifa.

The tender includes an annual allocation of 40 million shekels for service improvements, which the concessionaire must match. The operator must also present three bus design options for public voting. The blue and western brown lines are slated to begin operation in 2028, with the full network expected to be operational by 2029.