Major reforms in the nation’s public transportation system are set to get underway in August. In the beginning of August, changes will be evident in Tel Aviv, where bus service must now operate in line with demand, that is to say on busy lines, buses must be added to accommodate riders.

Minibuses will be operating in the inner neighborhoods, shuttling residents to the inner city bus stops. The public transportation will enjoy priority lanes and other measures to expedite travel, as well as for the trains and light rail.

The first stage, encompassing 10% of the Tel Aviv mass transit system will cost 20 million shekels, and the project is scheduled for completion next November, at a total cost of 90 million shekels.

Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz reports there will be a nationwide transportation information service that will provide information regarding bus services and other carriers around the country. HaMevaser quotes the minister as saying the smart card system has already been implemented in some areas.

The minister expressed hope that the Jerusalem light rail will begin carrying passengers from the northern areas of the city next year, and that the metro system in Haifa will also become operational.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)