Israel’s Major Public Transport Reform Faces Delay Amid Haredi Pressure

The Metropolitan Authorities Law, a flagship reform aimed at decentralizing public transportation management in Israel, is unlikely to advance in the current government despite passing its first reading. The law, promoted by the Ministries of Transportation and Finance, seeks to transfer some public transport management powers from the national Ministry of Transportation to newly established metropolitan authorities in Jerusalem, the Tel Aviv metropolitan area (Gush Dan), and Haifa. This regional management model, inspired by successful systems in London, Madrid, and Amsterdam, is expected to enable faster decision-making, better adaptation to local needs, and significant improvements in public transport service. For example, after adopting a similar model in London, public transport usage increased by tens of percent and waiting times dropped by about 60 percent.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged the Knesset Committee Chair, Ofir Katz, in a letter to advance the law before the Knesset dissolves, calling it "the most significant public transportation reform in decades." They highlighted that traffic congestion costs the Israeli economy approximately 40 billion shekels annually and warned that delaying the law could hinder a nationally critical initiative. The Finance Ministry also emphasized that the reform would facilitate better parking management policies in metropolitan areas, citing a Knesset research center study showing a 30% rise in parking prices at workplaces following the Parking Law, and suggesting the reform could encourage a shift to public transport.

Despite its importance, the law has not been scheduled for final discussion amid a legislative marathon before the Knesset’s dissolution. Officially, the delay is attributed to a tight schedule, but insiders report that pressure from Haredi parties concerned about potential impacts on Sabbath public transport services is a key factor. Without a change soon, this major transportation reform may be shelved. The delay comes amid ongoing tensions in Israel’s transport sector, including recent protests by taxi drivers and debates over ride-sharing regulations.