Rishon LeZion Transport Hub Opens with Free Shuttles to Tel Aviv
Israel launches the second phase of the fast lanes project, opening a massive transportation hub in Rishon LeZion with free shuttle services to Tel Aviv.
The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, the Ministry of Finance, Ayalon Highways, and Nativ LaIr announced the launch of the second phase of the fast lanes project, featuring the opening of a new transportation hub in Rishon LeZion and the Ayalon North fast lane.
Starting Sunday, residents of the Shfela and southern regions can reach business and leisure centers in Tel Aviv-Yafo quickly and easily for free. Located in the western part of the city, the new hub offers approximately 3,500 parking spaces, 350 electric vehicle charging stations, and 500 bicycle parking spots connected by a dedicated cycling path.
Shuttles and Routes
Four different shuttle routes will operate from the hub using dedicated public transport lanes designed to bypass traffic jams. Shuttles will depart every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours:
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Route 861: Kirya, Sarona, Azrieli Center
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Route 862: Stock Exchange district, Sidor
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Route 863: Begin-HaMasger
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Route 864: Yigal Alon
Minister of Transport Miri Regev stated, "Today we are completing another significant step in the fast lanes project, providing residents of the Shfela and the south with a true alternative to private vehicles. Instead of sitting in traffic on the way to Tel Aviv, drivers can leave their cars at the new hub in Rishon LeZion and board a fast, comfortable, and free shuttle running every five minutes during peak hours."
Project Scope and Future Plans
The entire project is estimated at approximately 8 billion shekels, covering construction and a 15-year operation period under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The electric shuttles operate Sunday through Thursday from 06:00 to 22:45, featuring reduced seating capacity for extra comfort, Wi-Fi, and charging ports.
During 2027, the fast lanes will also open as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes (3+), managed through a unique automated passenger-counting technology. Additionally, reversible lanes are scheduled to open, with Phase 1 launching in early 2027 between the Wingate and Shefayim interchanges.
