Free Shuttles to Tel Aviv as Fast Lane Project Launches

The second phase of Israel's fast lane project launched on Sunday with the opening of a new transportation complex in western Rishon Lezion and the activation of the fast lane on Ayalon North. The complex, designed to serve residents of the Shfela and southern regions, includes approximately 3,500 parking spaces, 350 electric vehicle charging stations, and 500 bicycle parking spots. Four free electric shuttle lines will operate from the complex to employment and commercial centers in Tel Aviv. Despite an investment of around 8 billion shekels in the project, private drivers cannot yet use the fast lanes themselves. Private vehicle access is slated to open in 2027, initially free only for vehicles with three or more passengers, while other drivers will face a dynamic toll. The Rishon Lezion complex's completion follows delays, partly due to construction issues and the war. The Ministry of Transportation and Netivei Ayalon aim for the southern complex to offer an alternative to private car entry into the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. This complex joins the Shfayim complex, opened in April, which reportedly serves about 10,000 passengers daily. Currently, the fast lane is primarily for shuttles and public transport, with four shuttle routes serving various Tel Aviv business districts. Shuttles will run every five minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes otherwise, from Sunday to Thursday, 6:00 AM to 10:45 PM. The current network spans about 33 kilometers of fast lanes in each direction along Coastal Road and Highway 20. Full public access is still pending, with a passenger counting system expected in 2027 to enable opening lanes for high-occupancy vehicles. Solo drivers or those with one passenger will pay a toll that could reach 106 shekels per segment, while vehicles with three or more passengers will travel for free. Netivei Ayalon emphasizes that shuttles and lane speed will be prioritized, potentially limiting private car entry if the lane slows down. This phased approach prioritizes shuttle use before wider private vehicle access. The project, built under a PPP model, is expected to see reversible lanes open between Wingate and Shfayim, and later to Netanya, around 2027, nearly a decade after the fast lane concept was first proposed.