Full coverage· Politics· Updated 22 Oct, 17:30

Israel Offers Free Public Transport on Election Day

Israel's Central Elections Committee has announced that intercity public transportation will be free of charge for the general public on election day, Tuesday, October 27. The initiative, which is expected to cost NIS 3.5 million, aims to facilitate voter turnout and encourage participation in the election for the 26th Knesset.

3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 22 Oct, 12:42

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Israel Offers Free Public Transport on Election Day — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01Israel is offering free train and intercity bus travel for the general public on election day, Tuesday, October 27.
02The free travel period begins on Monday, October 26, at 8:00 PM and ends at the close of service on Tuesday.
03The initiative covers all Israel Railways lines and approximately 660 intercity bus routes longer than 15 kilometers.
04The Central Elections Committee initiative is expected to cost NIS 3.5 million to help boost voter turnout.
05Israel Railways passengers must obtain a special paper ticket from station machines or ticket offices to travel for free.
06Intercity bus passengers can board eligible routes freely without validating Rav-Kav cards or showing identification.
07Urban buses, light rail, the Metronit, and the Carmelit are excluded from the initiative and will charge regular fares.
08No refunds will be issued for passengers who mistakenly use Rav-Kav cards or transportation apps during this period.

The free travel period will begin on Monday, October 26, at 8:00 PM and will continue until the end of public transportation services on Tuesday. The benefit applies to all Israel Railways lines and approximately 660 intercity bus routes longer than 15 kilometers, which is an increase from the 600 routes eligible in the 2022 election. Urban buses, light rail, the Metronit, and the Carmelit are excluded and will charge regular fares.

To access the free service on Israel Railways, passengers must obtain a special paper ticket from station machines or ticket offices. Bus passengers can board eligible intercity routes freely without needing identification or Rav-Kav validation. No refunds will be provided for passengers who use Rav-Kav cards or transportation apps, and they are advised to follow the specific ticketing procedures to avoid unintended charges.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 07:57

Latest report: Hamal. Read Hamal’s original