Free Public Transport Offered for Election Day in Israel

Starting this evening, public transportation in Israel, including Israel Railways and select intercity bus routes, will be free of charge to facilitate travel for citizens on election day, Tuesday. The decision by the Central Elections Committee aims to enable the public to reach polling stations or take advantage of the day off for travel.

The free travel applies to all Israel Railways lines and intercity bus routes longer than 15 kilometers. For intercity buses included in the arrangement, passengers can board without a ticket or identification. For Israel Railways, free travel will be available using paper tickets obtained from ticket machines at stations; passengers are advised not to validate multi-ride cards or use public transport apps.

In anticipation of increased demand, Israel Railways will augment service on the Jerusalem (Yitzhak Navon) to Tel Aviv line. Between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM on election day, three trains per hour will run in each direction, up from the usual two. These extra trains will travel between Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon station and Tel Aviv's HaHagana station.

While the free travel offers a cost saving, authorities caution that election day may see increased crowds at stations and on popular routes. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, check schedules and benefit conditions, and allow ample travel time.