Carmel Tunnels Tolls Cross NIS 12 Mark for the First Time
Carmel Tunnels tolls for private vehicles exceeded NIS 12 per section for the first time on Thursday, sparking driver outrage and protests as Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav vowed to fight the hike.
Carmel Tunnels Tolls Exceed NIS 12
Car toll rates for the Carmel Tunnels increased on Thursday, crossing the NIS 12 threshold per section for private vehicles for the first time since their opening. The new tariff stands at NIS 12.08, compared to NIS 11.97 previously. Drivers using both sections round-trip will pay NIS 48.32.
The price hike has sparked anger among regular commuters. Yaron, a resident of the Krayot who works in Haifa and uses the tunnels daily, said: "We are being extorted, this is crossing all lines." Dana, a Haifa resident working at the Check Post, added: "Only a consumer boycott will help, but we are too weak." Eli, another Haifa resident, called for protests: "We need to demonstrate, it cannot be that we pay so much. We need to block the entrance with trucks and protest, otherwise they will continue to rob us."
Updated Tariffs for Public Transport and Trucks
Tariffs for additional vehicle types are also being updated. The toll for a public transport vehicle per section rises to NIS 36.24, compared to NIS 35.91, while trucks will face a rate of NIS 60.40 per section, up from NIS 59.85.
"Although the issue is not within our authority, I will continue to fight against this extortion, and I will work so that the next government delves into the matter and stops these serial price hikes," Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav stated in response.
Concession Agreement and Background
Carmelton, the company operating the Carmel Tunnels, is authorized to update the toll fees in accordance with the concession agreement signed with the state, which ties the rates to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The Carmel Tunnels opened in 2010 with the promise of shortening travel times and improving connectivity between the Krayot and southern Haifa. Since then, toll rates have risen by tens of percents. The current update adds 11 agorot to the price of each private vehicle section, bringing the total additional cost for a full round-trip across both sections to 44 agorot.
According to data provided by Carmelton, over the past 12 months, the toll per private vehicle section increased by 18 agorot, a rise of about 1.5%. The company also noted that in the second and third quarters, tariffs decreased following a negative CPI.
Carmelton stated in response: "Toll rates in the Carmel Tunnels are determined and updated in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and the agreement signed between the state and the company. Since their establishment, the Carmel Tunnels have served as a central transportation artery in the Haifa metropolis. Traveling through the Carmel Tunnels saves a great deal of time and expensive fuel compared to existing alternatives."
