New Tel Aviv Area Parking Complex Opens, Offering Free Shuttles

A new transportation complex has opened in Rishon Le Zion, near the Mevo Ayalon interchange, aimed at easing traffic into Tel Aviv. The facility, which opened on Sunday, October 4, features parking for 3,500 private cars, 350 electric vehicle charging stations, and 500 bicycle spots. Four free electric shuttle buses will operate from the complex, utilizing a dedicated lane on Highway 1 to bypass congestion and transport passengers to key business and entertainment districts in Tel Aviv. These shuttles will follow four routes serving areas like the Kirya, Sarona, Azrieli Center, the Diamond Exchange, Savidor train station, and major streets. They will run from Sunday to Thursday, 6:00 AM to 10:45 PM, with departures every five minutes during peak hours and every fifteen minutes otherwise.

A significant drawback of the project, similar to a previously opened complex in Shefayim, is the lack of integration with public transportation. The Rishon Le Zion complex is not connected to train or bus routes, meaning only those arriving by car or bicycle can utilize the shuttle service. Appeals have been made to the National Public Transport Authority to establish feeder bus routes, but no progress has been reported.

The overall project, estimated at approximately 8 billion shekels, began in April with the Shefayim complex, which initially served a few hundred passengers daily but has since grown to about 10,000 daily passengers. Currently, the dedicated lanes are exclusively for free shuttles and public transport. However, some buses struggle to access the lanes due to barriers.

Fast lanes are expected to open to private vehicles in the first quarter of 2027, subject to a dynamic toll that will range from 7 shekels during low traffic to 105 shekels during peak congestion. Private car access will be restricted if speeds drop below a set level to maintain priority for shuttles and public transport. Further expansion planned for 2027 includes free access for vehicles with three or more passengers (3+) and the introduction of reversible lanes whose direction will change based on traffic flow.