National Committee Approves Large Bus Terminal in Hadera Despite Local Opposition
The National Infrastructure Committee (NIFC) has approved the construction of the "Olga South" bus terminal in Hadera, moving the plan forward for government approval. This decision comes despite strong opposition from residents of the Ein Hayam neighborhood, the Hadera municipality, and an independent investigator appointed by the committee. The terminal will feature 42 bus parking spots and is planned to be located in a residential area near the beach, educational institutions, and a nature reserve.
Residents warn that the terminal will severely harm their quality of life, increasing traffic congestion, noise, air pollution, and safety risks near schools. They argue that the neighborhood, which has seen rapid population growth and infrastructure strain, should not become a major public transportation hub. The municipality also opposes the terminal, citing plans for other bus stations nearby and calling the project unnecessary and poorly coordinated with urban planning realities.
The appointed investigator recommended scaling down the terminal and implementing it in phases to assess actual needs, but the Ministry of Transportation rejected this, fearing bureaucratic delays and increased costs. The committee ultimately adopted the full original plan, citing professional consensus on its necessity and uncertainty about other planned terminals. The committee clarified that the terminal is operational only, without passenger services, and is part of a strategic national plan to expand bus infrastructure.
Asaf Cohen, a local resident and opposition leader, criticized the approval process as predetermined and dismissive of professional and community concerns. The Ministry of Transportation emphasized the expected population growth in western Hadera and the need for adequate public transport infrastructure to reduce private car dependency. The NIFC stated that the plan was thoroughly reviewed and found not to pose environmental or traffic hazards to residents.
