The next phase of the fast lanes on the Ayalon is on its way: Will this be the breakthrough?

About six months after the launch of the fast lanes on the Ayalon Highway, enforcement cameras are still off, the project removes only about 6,000 cars per day from the road, and plastic poles block parts of the bus lanes. The next phase, expected in early 2027, will allow private drivers to enter the lane for a dynamic toll or free with a carpool of 3 or more passengers, but the technological and planning challenges are evident.

About six months after the launch of the fast lanes on the Ayalon Highway, enforcement cameras are still off, the project removes only about 6,000 cars per day from the road, and plastic poles block parts of the regular bus lanes. The Ayalon Highways company is preparing for the next phase, expected to begin in early 2027: opening the fast lane to private vehicles for a dynamic toll (up to 107 shekels per segment during peak hours) or free for a carpool of 3 or more passengers. The main challenges are the lack of reliable electronic enforcement to identify the number of passengers, gate planning that does not allow bus lines from Rishon LeZion and Holon to connect to the lane, and concerns that the lane will become a "lane for the rich" as warned by the chairman of the Transport Today organization, Max Morogovsky. The deputy mayor of Tel Aviv, Meital Lehavi, calls for not allowing private vehicle entry without continuous electronic enforcement.