Tel Aviv Metro to Operate Fully Driverless Trains in Major Infrastructure Upgrade

The Tel Aviv metropolitan area is set to launch Israel's first fully driverless metro system, connecting 24 municipalities with three lines spanning approximately 150 kilometers and 109 stations. The project, managed by the Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd. (NTA), is advancing to a new phase involving tenders worth around 30 billion shekels to select companies responsible for the trains, signaling, control, electrical systems, communications, stations, and overall operation.

The trains will operate under the highest automation standard, GOA4, enabling them to run, stop, and manage various situations autonomously without onboard drivers. This driverless metro network aims to significantly transform public transportation in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, reducing reliance on congested roads and existing rail infrastructure.

This new tender phase, called "Infra 2," complements the earlier "Infra 1" phase focused on physical infrastructure such as tunnel excavation and station construction, with a budget of about 65 billion shekels. Both phases are progressing simultaneously to integrate systems installation with ongoing infrastructure development, ensuring seamless operation upon completion.

Selected companies will also handle long-term operation and maintenance of the metro system. If the project timeline is maintained, the Tel Aviv metro will become a pioneering example of automated urban transit in Israel, enhancing connectivity and efficiency across the central region.