Israel Opens Second Phase of Rapid Transit Lanes and Park-and-Ride Facility

Israel's Ministry of Transportation and Ayalon Highways have opened the second phase of the rapid transit lanes project, featuring a new park-and-ride complex in western Rishon LeZion and a 15-kilometer rapid lane on Ayalon Highway.

The new complex offers approximately 3,500 free parking spaces, 350 charging stations for electric vehicles, and 500 bicycle parking spots. From this facility, four dedicated shuttle lines provide free transport to major employment centers in Tel Aviv, including the Kirya, Azrieli, the Stock Exchange area, and Savidor. These shuttles run every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes at other times, from 6:00 AM to 10:45 PM, Sunday through Thursday.

The rapid lane itself extends 15 kilometers along Ayalon Highway, connecting Rishon LeZion to the Savidor train station in Tel Aviv. The project, which cost approximately 8 billion shekels and includes operation for the next 15 years, is planned to open to private vehicles carrying three or more passengers by 2027.

While the Ministry of Transportation promotes the project as a genuine alternative to private car use, critics argue that the lack of public transportation access to the park-and-ride facility undermines its effectiveness. Transportation experts warn that the new lanes and parking areas might attract more drivers, potentially worsening traffic congestion instead of alleviating it. The first phase of the project, a park-and-ride facility in Shfayim with about 7,000 parking spaces, opened six months ago. According to ministry data, around 10,000 passengers daily use the existing facility, leaving their cars and taking shuttles to Tel Aviv.