Congestion tax and expensive public transport fares: what else awaits the new transport minister

Israel's transportation sector has reached a 'boiling point': losses from traffic jams amount to 40 billion shekels a year, and by 2040 they could grow to 70 billion. The new minister will have to address issues such as congestion charging, rising public transport fares, railway privatization, and the impending collapse of Ben-Gurion Airport.

While the political system adapts after the elections, Israel's transportation sector has reached a 'boiling point'. Annual economic losses from traffic jams are estimated at 40 billion shekels, and by 2040 they could rise to 70 billion. The new transport minister will have to make unpopular decisions. Key challenges include introducing a congestion charge for entering the Tel Aviv metropolitan area from late 2027, rising public transport fares (from 5.5 to 8 shekels under the previous minister), railway privatization, and the impending collapse of Ben-Gurion Airport. Yael Shechter-Sitman from the 'Lobby 99' organization notes that without a reliable public transport alternative, drivers will be forced to pay but not switch to trains and buses. The article is based on a piece by Ynet columnist Sivan Hilai from November 1.