Israel’s Public Transport Chief Plans Major Reforms to End Traffic Jams Within Five Years
Idan Moalem, CEO of Israel’s National Authority for Public Transportation, is spearheading significant structural reforms aimed at alleviating the country’s chronic traffic congestion. Despite his lack of prior experience in transportation, Moalem has introduced the Metropolitan Authorities Law, which decentralizes control from the Ministry of Transportation to local metropolitan authorities, enabling more responsive management of public transit systems. He credits Minister Miri Regev and the ministry’s director general for supporting this shift, which he says will improve infrastructure and service quality.
Moalem acknowledges that traffic jams will persist unless a critical mass of commuters switches from private cars to public transit. He envisions a future with expanded light rail, BRT systems, and buses that will encourage families to reduce car ownership from multiple vehicles to one. He estimates that within five years, the transportation landscape in Israel will look markedly different, though he urges public patience.
Addressing the severe shortage of approximately 5,000 bus drivers, Moalem has pushed for wage adjustments to OECD standards and proposed allowing foreign workers to fill driver roles. This controversial measure is under discussion by a committee including the Prime Minister and Population Authority, with plans for a pilot program to introduce several hundred foreign drivers gradually. Moalem emphasizes that drivers operate separately from passengers, and that improving working conditions will also be a priority.
Regarding public complaints about poor service quality, Moalem notes that 82% of public transport users already benefit from discounts or free rides under the "Transportation Justice" reform. He argues that free fares alone will not solve the problem unless service reliability improves. To fund enhancements, Moalem plans to cancel inefficient bus routes that run nearly empty, reallocating hundreds of millions of shekels to strengthen service in underserved areas, especially new neighborhoods.
Despite criticism over his lack of transportation background, Moalem believes his outsider perspective has enabled innovative thinking and effective leadership. He states that the authority has become a professional, politically independent body focused on future-oriented service improvements. The reforms and driver recruitment efforts are expected to unfold over the next several years, aiming to transform Israel’s public transportation system and reduce traffic congestion significantly.
