In Haifa they are furious: Carmel Tunnels reached a new negative peak this morning

Carmel Tunnels toll rates rose this morning, reaching a new negative peak. Angry drivers are calling for a protest and blocking the tunnel entrance. The toll for a private vehicle per segment increased by 11 agorot, and for a public vehicle to 36.24 shekels. Carmelton company updates rates according to the concession agreement and index linkage.

Carmel Tunnels toll rates rose this morning (Thursday) and reached a new negative peak, according to a report on the Maariv website. Angry drivers voiced loud protests: Yaron, a resident of the Krayot, said "they are robbing us, this is beyond the limits"; Dana, a Haifa resident, called for a "consumer revolt"; and Eli, a Haifa resident, called for blocking the tunnel entrance with trucks and demonstrating. The toll for a private vehicle per segment increased by 11 agorot. For a round trip on both segments, the additional cost totals 44 agorot. The toll for a public vehicle per segment rose to 36.24 shekels (from 35.91), and for a truck to 60.40 shekels per segment (from 59.85). Carmelton, the tunnel operator, is authorized to update the toll according to the concession agreement with the state and linkage to the Consumer Price Index. According to company data, over the past 12 months the toll per segment for a private vehicle has risen by 18 agorot (about 1.5%), although in the second and third quarters the rate decreased due to a negative index. The tunnels opened in 2010 and since then rates have increased by tens of percent.