Comedian Slams Rehovot Metro Project, Sparking Outrage
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Actor Orel Tzabari has criticized the extensive metronit bus construction in Rehovot, Israel, which began in May 2025 and is expected to finish in 2028. Residents and business owners are suffering from severe traffic, business closures, and noise, questioning the project's high cost and the decision to build a bus system instead of light rail. The regional project aims to connect several cities to Tel Aviv and serve 110,000 daily passengers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Actor Orel Tzabari criticized the metronit construction in Rehovot, sparking local anger.
- The 2.9 billion shekel regional project is scheduled to last from May 2025 until 2028.
- Residents and businesses report severe traffic, noise, and economic damage from the works.
- Locals question the value of a metronit bus system after years of disruption.
- The project aims to connect Rehovot and surrounding cities to the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
Israeli actor and comedian Orel Tzabari has publicly criticized the ongoing metro bus (metronit) construction in his hometown of Rehovot, igniting a heated debate among residents. The regional project, costing approximately 2.9 billion shekels, began in May 2025 and is slated for completion in 2028. Tzabari's comments, shared on social media, have drawn strong reactions, with many residents echoing his sentiments about the severe disruption caused by the works.
Locals complain that the construction has not only caused significant traffic congestion and damaged the main street but also led to a collapse in local businesses. A primary concern is that the planned metronit, a bus rapid transit system, will not alleviate traffic as promised and may worsen congestion due to reduced lanes. Residents also question the immense cost and lengthy construction period for a bus system, especially after initial expectations that it might be a light rail.
Business owners on Herzl Street report a drastic drop in customers, increased dust and noise, and some have been forced to close. Many criticize the project's slow progress and apparent lack of manpower, suggesting the work could have been done in smaller sections. The prolonged closures and parking difficulties are deterring regular customers and hindering the ability to attract new ones, impacting businesses' long-term stability.
The Blue Line metronit project, led by the Ministry of Transportation and Ayalon Highways, aims to connect Kiryat Ekron, Rehovot, Ness Ziona, and Rishon LeZion to the Tel Aviv metropolitan area with dedicated public transport lanes, smart stations, and upgraded infrastructure. The municipality estimates the system will serve about 110,000 passengers daily, improving connectivity and access to employment and commercial centers.