Israel's Metro Project Advances With Driverless Train Technology and Major Infrastructure Tenders

The Tel Aviv Metropolitan Mass Transit System (NTA) has launched the prequalification process for the second phase of its metro infrastructure tenders, valued at approximately 30 billion shekels. This follows the first phase in June, which attracted 20 consortia comprising 33 infrastructure companies competing for contracts worth around 65 billion shekels.

Unlike the initial phase focused mainly on civil engineering such as tunnel excavation, the second phase covers the entire railway system including trains, signaling, electrical systems, and operation. NTA aims to implement fully driverless trains using GOA4 technology, enabling real-time smart control, high operational precision, and advanced safety. The integrated signaling, electrification, communication, and safety systems will support continuous, reliable metro service with trains every 90 seconds and a daily ridership of 2 million.

NTA acknowledges the challenge of attracting qualified international suppliers for such advanced technology and is working to broaden the pool of potential bidders. The driverless system could also influence future public transportation policies in Israel, potentially easing political approval for weekend operations.

The tender results are expected within about a year, with one consortium winning the M1 line running north-south through the metropolitan area to central Tel Aviv, and another winning the M2 line running east-west connecting inner and middle ring cities to the metro center. Preliminary infrastructure works have begun, but major construction is slated to start between late 2028 and early 2029.

NTA CEO Itamar Ben Meir emphasized the project's complexity and the search for top global partners to deliver a world-class, reliable, and safe metro system. Transportation Ministry Director Moshe Ben Zaken highlighted the project's transformative impact on Israel's transportation landscape and economy, promising advanced and secure transit infrastructure for decades to come.