Minister of Transportation Miri Regev held a working meeting in Netanya with Mayor Avi Salama, in order to promote major transportation projects in the city.
The meeting discussed the solutions required for a city that is developing at an accelerated pace and is expected to double its population in the coming years. The meeting agreed to continue joint work to promote public transportation, road and rail infrastructure, and urban connectivity.
The meeting was attended by Moshe Ben-Zaken, Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, Nissim Peretz, Director General of Netivei Israel, Orly Stern, Director General of Netivei Ayalon, senior officials from the ministry and professional bodies in the Netanya Municipality.
During the discussion, the mayor presented the need for a significant addition to public transportation service, including approximately 25 kilometers and 22 new urban lines.
The Ministry of Transportation stated that the request will be examined as part of the next round of service additions. In addition, ways to improve connectivity between the city's neighborhoods, train stations, and transportation centers were discussed. The Minister instructed to conduct joint staff work with the municipality, and a dedicated status discussion on the subject is expected to take place next month.
Another major issue discussed was the promotion of the city's third train station - the 'Colleges' station, which is intended to provide a solution for residents of Kiryat Hasharon, the stadium area and eastern Netanya. The minister instructed to prioritize examining the project as an entrepreneurial station established in collaboration with the private sector, and asked Israel Railways to promote a feasibility study in collaboration with the municipality and the Israel Land Authority.
The meeting also discussed the promotion of Highway 57 and the expansion of the bridge connecting Netanya to Highway 6, the continued development of Highway 561, and improving connectivity to neighborhoods in the Kiryat Hasharon area. The minister emphasized the need for full coordination between all parties in order to promote the projects effectively.
Additionally, solutions for connecting to the metro system, developing bike paths, and promoting micromobility projects in the city were discussed. The minister instructed to promote the work that can be done now, while at the same time examining the necessary adjustments with the professional bodies.
It was also agreed to examine the removal of illegal signage along Highway 2, which could distract drivers. In the field of road safety, data was presented indicating significant improvement in the city, alongside continued enforcement and information activities. The Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety and the Netanya Municipality will continue to monitor the progress of all the issues discussed.
Minister of Transportation: "Netanya is undergoing significant development momentum, and the city's transportation infrastructure needs to progress accordingly. I instructed the professionals to promote the key issues raised at the meeting, primarily expanding public transportation, examining the third train station, and improving connectivity to the metro. We will continue to work in cooperation with the municipality to provide Netanya residents with accessible, efficient, and safe transportation.".
Netanya Mayor Avi Salama: "Netanya is experiencing unprecedented growth momentum. In the coming decades, the city is expected to double in terms of population, employment and tourism, and therefore our responsibility is to make the right decisions today that will allow the city to continue to develop in a smart and efficient manner. I thank Minister of Transportation Miri Regev and her office staff for their listening, goodwill and cooperation. Transportation is the key to Netanya's development as a leading employment, tourism and economic metropolis, and we will continue to act decisively to promote projects that will improve the quality of life of the city's residents and accessibility to it.""
Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken: "In accordance with the Minister's directive, we will examine in the next meeting the allocation of the budgets required for additional public transportation services in Netanya. We will conduct joint staff work with the municipality to examine frequencies, connectivity to train stations and transportation centers, and additional needs of residents. The goal is to improve service and provide a quality transportation solution for the developing city.".
