Local Government Chair Urges Knesset to Approve Metropolitan Authorities Law to Ease Traffic

Chaim Bibas, chairman of the Local Government Center and mayor of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, has called on key Israeli officials to finalize the Metropolitan Authorities Law in the Knesset. In a letter addressed to Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Coalition Chair Ofir Katz, and Economy Committee Chair David Bitan, Bibas emphasized the law's importance in addressing traffic congestion by dividing and strengthening the independence of three metropolitan authorities: Haifa, Jerusalem, and the Gush Dan area.

Bibas described the reform as the only professional solution to the ongoing transportation crisis, stressing that public transit must be managed with community involvement and transparency. He argued there is no public or logical justification for delaying or halting this vital legislation, which he said is crucial for improving citizens' welfare.

The Metropolitan Authorities Law aims to decentralize transportation management to better tackle congestion and improve public transit services in Israel's largest urban centers. Bibas's appeal highlights the urgency of passing the law amid current traffic challenges. The next step depends on the Knesset's plenary session to approve the legislation for implementation.