New Express Lane and Shuttle Service Connects Rishon Lezion to Tel Aviv

A new transportation terminal has opened in western Rishon Lezion, featuring an express lane on Highway 4 (Ayalon Highway) heading north. Four free electric shuttle routes now operate from the terminal to Tel Aviv's business and commercial centers. The terminal, designed for residents of the Shfela region and southern Israel, offers approximately 3,500 parking spaces, 350 charging stations for electric vehicles, and 500 bicycle spots.

Specific shuttle routes include Route 861 to the Kirya, Sarona, and Azrieli Center; Route 862 to the Stock Exchange area and Savidor Station; Route 863 to Begin and HaMasger streets; and Route 864 to Yigal Allon Street. 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.

Currently, private cars are not permitted on the express lanes. This access will be granted in 2027, following the implementation of a passenger counting system. Vehicles with three or more occupants will be able to use the lanes for free, while others will face a dynamic toll, potentially reaching 106 shekels per segment, depending on traffic.

Netivei Ayalon, the operating company, stated that priority will be given to shuttles and traffic flow. If congestion occurs on the lane, private vehicle access will be restricted. The current express lane network spans about 33 kilometers in each direction along the Coastal Highway and Ayalon Highway.

The Rishon Lezion terminal complements the Shfaim terminal, which opened in April and serves around 10,000 passengers daily. Netivei Ayalon estimates that the shuttles can transport up to 30,000 people per day when operating at full capacity. Reversible lanes, with traffic direction changing, are also planned for 2027, initially between Wingate and Shfaim, and later between Wingate and Highway 57 near Netanya.