Free Public Transport Offered on Election Day in Israel
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Israel's Central Elections Committee announced free public transport for all citizens on Election Day, starting Sunday evening until the end of service. The offer covers all Israel Railways lines and intercity buses over 15km, but excludes urban lines and some light rail services. Increased train service between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will operate, with passenger limits and advance booking required for the Jerusalem line due to expected congestion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Free public transport, including trains and intercity buses, will be available on Israeli Election Day.
- The free travel initiative begins Sunday evening and lasts until the end of service on election day.
- Urban bus lines and some light rail services are excluded from the free travel offer.
- Israel Railways will increase service on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv line, with passenger limits and advance booking required for Jerusalem.
- Travel to and from Eilat requires pre-registration and is based on residency eligibility.
Israel's Central Elections Committee has announced that public transportation will be free for all citizens on Election Day for the 26th Knesset. The free travel initiative begins on Sunday evening at 8:00 PM and will continue throughout the entire election day until the end of service.
The offer includes all Israel Railways lines and approximately 660 intercity bus routes longer than 15 kilometers. To inquire about specific bus routes, the public can contact the Ministry of Transportation's information center at *8787. However, urban bus lines, some Jerusalem Light Rail lines, the Tel Aviv Red Line, the Metronit, and the Carmelit will continue to operate with regular fares.
Due to expected traffic congestion, Israel Railways will increase service on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv line. During peak hours (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), trains will run approximately every 20 minutes, with some additional trains operating on a shortened route between Tel Aviv's HaHagana station and Jerusalem. Passenger numbers on trains to and from Jerusalem will be limited by police orders, requiring passengers to reserve a personal travel voucher in advance via the Israel Railways website. Passengers are advised to use the Israel Railways app or call 5770* for real-time updates.
For intercity buses, boarding is free without the need for identification or ticket validation. For Israel Railways, passengers must obtain a special paper ticket from ticket machines or counters before entering the platform, and should not validate their Rav-Kav card or travel apps to avoid charges.
Travel to and from Eilat is not universally free; eligibility is based on official residence address and requires pre-registration with the Egged bus company at 2800*.
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