New Rishon LeZion Transport Hub Offers Free Shuttles to Tel Aviv
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- New Rishon LeZion transport hub provides free electric shuttles to Tel Aviv.
- Facility includes 3,500 parking spaces and 350 EV charging stations.
- Shuttles use dedicated lanes to bypass traffic congestion.
- Lack of public transport connection is a major drawback.
- Private cars to gain access with dynamic tolling in 2027.
- Free access planned for high-occupancy vehicles later in 2027.
A new transportation complex in Rishon LeZion, part of a rapid lanes project, has opened, providing free electric shuttles to Tel Aviv. The facility, located in western Rishon LeZion near the Mevoh Ha'ayalons interchange and the Ayalon Highway's northbound rapid lane, includes a 3,500-space parking lot, 350 electric vehicle charging stations, and 500 bicycle spots. The parking lot opens to the public on October 4th, aiming to help hundreds of drivers bypass traffic congestion into the city center.
Four free electric shuttle lines operate from the hub, utilizing dedicated lanes to avoid traffic on their routes to Tel Aviv's employment and entertainment centers. Specific lines serve areas like the Kirya, Sarona, Azrieli Center, the Diamond Exchange, Savidor train station, and Yigal Allon Street. The shuttles run Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 AM to 10:45 PM, with frequencies of every five minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes otherwise.
The project was launched by the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Finance, and Netivei Ayalon. A significant drawback is the lack of connection to public transport, similar to the Shfaim complex further north. Neither location has a nearby train station or city/intercity bus lines, limiting the service to those who drive and park at the complex. The National Public Transport Authority had requested feeder routes to these parking hubs, but no progress has been made.
The first phase of the overall 8 billion shekel project opened in Shfaim in April, initially seeing low ridership but now serving around 10,000 motorists daily. Currently, only free shuttles and public transport can use the rapid lanes, though some shuttles face delays entering due to barriers. Starting in the first quarter of 2027, private cars will be allowed access for a dynamic toll, ranging from 7 shekels during off-peak times to 105 shekels during peak hours. Entry for private cars will be restricted if speeds drop below a certain threshold to maintain priority for shuttles and public transport. Later in 2027, the project will expand to include free access for vehicles with three or more passengers (3+), identified by surveillance technology. Reversible lanes will also be implemented, managed based on traffic flow direction.
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