Partner Group to Provide Communications for Tel Aviv Congestion Charge Launching in 2028

Partner Group has been selected to supply the communication infrastructure for the congestion charge project in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, with the official launch date postponed from 2027 to 2028. The project, awarded to Electra Group through a government tender, aims to reduce traffic congestion in the Gush Dan region and promote public transportation by implementing a smart charging system that prices vehicle entry based on time and location.

Gush Dan will be divided into three concentric zones around Tel Aviv: outer, middle, and inner rings, with fees varying throughout the day. Morning peak hours (06:30 to 10:00) will cost 10 shekels per ring crossed, while afternoon peak hours (15:00 to 19:00) will charge 2.5 shekels for the outer ring and 5 shekels for the middle and inner rings. The daily maximum charge is capped at 37.5 shekels. Taxis will pay half the fee without a daily cap, trucks will pay double, and motorcycles and vehicles with disabled permits will be exempt.

The project is expected to generate 1.4 billion shekels annually, with half allocated to enhancing public transportation and the remainder supporting the metro project, which is estimated to cost over 175 billion shekels. Despite approval by the Knesset and government, the initiative faces ongoing opposition from Transportation Minister Miri Regev and remains unpopular with the public. The final decision on the launch timing will be made by the next government and may be delayed until late 2028, after key light rail lines begin operation.

Partner will provide communication systems for 220 entry gates, enabling vehicle identification, data cross-checking, and billing according to the pricing model. The infrastructure must be secure, fast, and reliable for continuous operation over at least two decades, during which Partner expects to earn tens of millions of shekels. Electra Group, led by Itamar Deutscher, won the tender for the project's planning, construction, operation, and maintenance, with expected compensation totaling approximately 1.25 billion shekels over the concession period.

Avi Dvora, Partner's Business Division VP, expressed pride in contributing to this strategic national project and emphasized their operational excellence and extensive experience in critical communication systems for major Israeli organizations.