Tel Aviv Central Bus Station Ramps Slated for Demolition in Early 2027

Concrete ramps and a bridge leading to the upper levels of Tel Aviv's Central Bus Station are scheduled for demolition starting in early 2027, according to Globes. This marks the first practical step toward the eventual demolition of the entire bus station complex. The plan involves first removing the central ramp from Levinsky Street, followed by ramps from the north and south. The urgency is driven by ongoing construction of the NTA's Purple Line light rail, which runs near the ramps. Delaying the demolition by even six months would significantly complicate the process and necessitate a halt in tram operations. Both the Tel Aviv Municipality and the Ministry of Transport have confirmed the early 2027 timeline, with the Levinsky Street ramp expected to be demolished by March. The Ministry of Transport specifies the first half of 2027 for these initial demolitions. The municipality has already initiated a tender for the demolition work. Shapir, the company constructing the Purple Line, is anticipated to bid, and the municipality reportedly prefers them to win to avoid potential delays or damage to the light rail line by another contractor. However, the project may face challenges. While NTA and Shapir have agreed to the plan, their primary concern is preventing any delays to the tram construction. Dan, the company that owns and operates the bus station, has not yet been briefed on the demolition plan and is expected to oppose it, potentially citing damage to its property despite not owning the ramp territory. Following the demolition of the Levinsky Street ramp, access to the upper floors will be restricted to the Mataron Street entrance on the west side of the building. The Ministry of Transport stated that a review confirmed the bus station can continue operating via the western entrance, provided the municipality completes necessary infrastructure upgrades. The National Public Transport Authority is developing new route schemes, with some bus lines to be rerouted to other terminals. The municipality and ministry intend to gradually phase out bus traffic from the Central Bus Station in the coming years, redirecting routes to terminals like Savidor. This development follows a recent announcement by the Ministry of Transport about a significant step towards closing the Central Bus Station, when a joint Knesset committee approved rezoning land near the Holon interchange for an alternative bus terminal. This new terminal is expected to handle approximately 60% of the current bus station's passenger volume and is slated to open in 2031, initially as a temporary facility before a permanent terminal is built at the Ben-Zvi complex in Holon.