Free Parking and Shuttles Launch for Commuters to Tel Aviv

Starting Sunday, commuters traveling to Tel Aviv from cities in southern Israel, including Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, Yavne, and Ashdod, can utilize a new park-and-ride facility in western Rishon LeZion. The facility offers approximately 3,500 parking spaces, 350 charging stations for electric vehicles, and about 500 spots for bicycles. From this lot, free electric shuttle buses will transport passengers to major employment centers in Tel Aviv and its surroundings, such as Azrieli, Sarona, and the Kirya. These shuttles will operate on a dedicated lane on Highway 1, ensuring faster travel times even during peak traffic congestion.

The shuttle service, part of the second phase of the "Fast Lanes" project, aims to reduce the number of private cars entering central Tel Aviv. Shuttles will run every five minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes otherwise, operating from 6:00 AM to 10:45 PM. This service is primarily designed for morning commuters entering the metropolitan area and returning in the evening.

The Rishon LeZion facility joins a similar park-and-ride center in Shefayim, which opened in April and accommodates around 7,000 vehicles, serving approximately 10,000 passengers daily. Combined, these two facilities offer over 10,500 parking spots, providing a significant opportunity to assess how many drivers will opt for this alternative to driving into the city.

The "Fast Lanes" project, a broader initiative involving the coastal highway and Ayalon Highway from Netanya to Rishon LeZion, represents an investment of approximately 8 billion shekels. The project aims to manage traffic by prioritizing public transportation and shared rides. Future plans for the fast lanes include allowing vehicles with three or more passengers to use them for free by 2027, and eventually introducing a dynamic toll system for cars with fewer occupants, with prices potentially reaching tens or even over 100 shekels during peak times.