Major Public Transport Upgrades for Northern Israel Travelers
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Thousands of travelers from Tzfat will see major public transport upgrades starting Tuesday, with increased bus services and improved routes to Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and Beit Shemesh. The changes address years of unmet demand and overcrowding on intercity lines. Mayor Yossi Kakin led the initiative, which includes new route designations and schedule adjustments to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- New bus services and route improvements begin Tuesday for travelers from Tzfat.
- Demand for travel from Tzfat to Bnei Brak and Jerusalem has long exceeded service.
- Route 979 replaces 980, traveling directly to Bnei Brak via Meron and Highway 6.
- Most routes to Bnei Brak and Jerusalem will no longer stop in Afula.
- Tzfat Mayor Yossi Kakin spearheaded the multi-year effort for service enhancements.
Thousands of passengers traveling from Tzfat to central Israeli cities will benefit from significant public transportation improvements starting Tuesday, following over a decade without substantial service additions. The changes affect routes to Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and Beit Shemesh, introducing more trips, shorter routes, and better schedules. For years, demand for travel from Tzfat to these predominantly Haredi cities has outpaced service, leading to overcrowded buses, standing room only, skipped stops, and long waits, especially during peak hours.
Key changes include the cancellation of route 980 and its replacement with route 979, which will travel via Meron directly to Bnei Brak using Highway 6. Route 984 will no longer pass through Afula, and most routes from Tzfat to Bnei Brak and Jerusalem will cease stopping in Afula, with the exception of route 982. Additionally, route 981 to Bnei Brak and routes 992 and 993 to Jerusalem will see increased service. A daily trip will be added to Beit Shemesh, along with two direct services on route 887. The last departures from Bnei Brak and Jerusalem will be postponed by 30 minutes to accommodate those returning from events.
The improvements are the result of extensive efforts by Tzfat Mayor Yossi Kakin, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Nativ Express company. This involved collecting passenger data and enhancing the validation system. The municipality emphasized that consistent validation on all trips is crucial for securing further service expansions based on demand. Mayor Kakin stated, "This is great news for thousands of families who have waited years for this change. After prolonged work, we have succeeded in bringing significant additions and more efficient routes. We will continue to work so that every resident can reach their destination comfortably and on time, and with God's help, we will bring more good news."
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