Israel Must Prioritize Public Transit Over Private Cars to Solve Traffic

Decades of transportation research confirm the "congestion paradox": building more roads and adding lanes only attracts more cars, leading back to the same traffic jams. This phenomenon is particularly acute in Israel due to its narrow geography, resulting in road density nearly three times higher than in developed countries. While Israel's car ownership rate is lower than Europe's, the country "crams too many cars onto too little asphalt."

Cities like Tokyo and Zurich offer models for escaping this "transportation nightmare." Tokyo developed a transit-oriented model, concentrating urban and commercial development around train stations. Zurich prioritized light rail at intersections, giving it immediate green lights, which makes public transport faster and encourages people to switch.

However, infrastructure alone is insufficient. Paris, for example, implemented restrictive policies, charging nearly 18 euros per hour for parking large SUVs in the city center, deterring drivers. Israel, meanwhile, focuses on technological solutions like autonomous vehicles, which are unlikely to solve congestion and may even increase road travel.

The real solution for Israel by 2050 involves a massive metro network in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, complemented by light rail in Be'er Sheva. Achieving this requires policymakers to overcome fear and implement measures such as congestion charges, removing city center parking, and prioritizing public transport at traffic lights. The future of Israeli transportation depends on brave decisions made today to avoid perpetual traffic jams.