Electric bus project in the Ha-Shfela district enters a new phase

The Public Transportation Authority has approved the publication of a tender for selecting an operator for the "Metronit" high-speed electric bus network in the Ha-Shfela district. The network will connect Kiryat Ekron, Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Rishon LeZion, and Tel Aviv. The contract is valued at 2.5 billion shekels over ten years. The system launch is planned in stages starting from mid-2028, with full operation by 2029.

Israel's Public Transportation Authority has approved the publication of a tender for selecting an operator for the "Metronit" high-speed electric bus network in the Ha-Shfela district. The decision was made on September 22. The 30 km network will connect Kiryat Ekron, Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Rishon LeZion, and Tel Aviv. Expected daily ridership is about 110,000 people. The ten-year contract is valued at 2.5 billion shekels. Netivei Ayalon, which has been managing infrastructure work since 2025, plans a phased launch starting in mid-2028. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2029. The first phase will launch two "blue" routes and the western section of the "brown line." For the first time in Israel, 24-meter double electric buses will be used. The tender includes an annual allocation of 40 million shekels to the operator for service quality improvement. The winner must also present three bus design options for public and municipal selection.