A dramatic drop in the cost of public transportation is expected in Israel. Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz believes that as the Tel Aviv light rail and other projects move ahead, more and more Israelis will opt for the public transportation option instead of driving.

According to the forecast from the ministry, in the near future the cost of monthly bus passes will drop dramatically in many areas. The “chodshi chofshi” in the Tel Aviv and Rishon L’Tzion area will drop from NIS 400 to NIS 252 (37%). The pass for the Tel Aviv and Rechovot area will drop from NIS 491 to NIS 286 (42%). The Tel Aviv Ashdod area pass will drop 39% from NIS 574 to NIS 351.

Most commuters asked to comment feel “We will believe when we see it” but Minister Katz insists this is part of his overall reform to cut transportation costs to get people out of their cars and into buses. A date for the drastic reduction in fares is not be publicized.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)