New Transport Hub Opens in Rishon LeZion to Ease Tel Aviv Commute

A new transportation hub designed for commuters traveling to Tel Aviv from southern Israel has begun operations in Rishon LeZion. The facility, announced by the Ministry of Transportation, allows drivers to park their cars for free on a large intercepting lot, then transfer to a free shuttle service that uses dedicated high-speed lanes to bypass traffic congestion into the city.

The complex is located southeast of Rishon LeZion, near the Shafdan wastewater treatment facility. It offers approximately 3,500 free parking spaces, 350 charging stations for electric vehicles, and 500 bicycle spots. Amenities include restrooms and cafes. Four free shuttle routes serve key areas in Tel Aviv, including Kirya, Sarona, Azrieli, the Stock Exchange, Savidor Central Station, Begin-Masger junction, and Yigal Allon Street. During peak hours, shuttles run every five minutes, and every 15 minutes otherwise, operating from Sunday to Thursday between 6:00 AM and 10:45 PM.

Initially, the dedicated lanes are exclusively for public transport and shuttles. Starting in 2027, they will be open to cars with three or more passengers. Private vehicles will eventually be permitted to use the lanes for a fee, ranging from 7.16 to 106.76 shekels, depending on traffic conditions. The pricing will dynamically adjust to manage congestion, with potential closures for paid vehicles if necessary.

This Rishon LeZion hub is the second major component of a project that aims to reduce traffic by enabling drivers to leave their vehicles outside the city and switch to faster transport. A similar complex in Shfaim, serving northbound commuters to Gush Dan, opened in April. While Shfaim experienced a slow start, it now serves around 10,000 passengers daily. The overall project, including the high-speed lanes, is estimated at 8 billion shekels and is a joint venture between the state and a private concessionaire.

The initiative has sparked public debate. Advocates for public transport criticize the continued subsidization of private car use over investments in buses and trains. Supporters, however, argue that the project effectively addresses the significant number of drivers unwilling to abandon personal vehicles, thereby reducing urban entry congestion.