A huge step to promote public transportation in Israel: The Knesset's Economics Committee approved today (Tuesday) the bill by Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, to establish metropolitan transportation authorities.
The meaning of the reform: Transfer of powers from the Ministry of Transportation to the mayors of major metropolitan areas, with the authorities being the ones to manage bus lines, traffic lights, and traffic lights.
The bill was promoted in full cooperation with the Chairman of the Knesset's Economics Committee, David Bitan.
This is a historic move and one of the most important structural reforms promoted in the field of public transportation in Israel in recent decades, led by the Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben-Zaken, with combined working teams from the Public Transportation Authority and the Ministry of Finance.
In the first phase, metropolitan authorities will be established in Jerusalem, the Dan Bloc, and Haifa - and later the model will be expanded to additional metropolitan areas across the country.
The move is intended to improve the quality of service for public transportation passengers, strengthen coordination between all means of transportation, quickly and efficiently promote transportation projects, and reduce traffic congestion in Israel's major metropolitan areas.
The move is also expected to contribute to the entire Israeli economy. Road congestion causes significant economic damage of tens of billions of shekels every year, and improving public transportation and more efficient management of transportation systems constitute an important engine for growth, productivity, and quality of life.
Metropolitan authorities will work in collaboration with the state and local authorities and will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing public transportation systems in the metropolitan area. The new model will allow for better adaptation of the service to the needs of residents, efficient connection between the various means of transportation, long-term planning based on demand needs, and the acceleration of essential projects to improve mobility and quality of life.
The authorities will assist in creating a continuous and integrated public transportation network, connecting buses, trains, light rail, metro, bike paths, and integrated transportation centers, with the aim of providing the public with a complete, more convenient, and efficient travel solution.
The establishment of the metropolitan authorities joins a series of steps led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, as part of the "Connecting Israel" vision, including expanding the railway network, promoting the metro, developing mass transit systems, expanding public transportation routes, and improving service for passengers throughout the country.
Metropolitan transportation authorities currently operate in many of the world's developed countries as a proven model for the effective management of complex transportation systems in large metropolises. In Israel, there has been broad professional consensus for decades regarding the need for their establishment, but implementation of the move has been delayed for various reasons. Now, through the joint action of Minister Regev and Minister Smotrich, the move is reaching the advanced legislative stage on the way to its implementation.
The chairman of the Economy Committee, MK David Bitan, welcomed the approval of the proposal and praised Transportation Minister Miri Regev and the ministry for giving up authority. "I haven't seen this happen in many ministries, so well done." He thanked the finance representatives who worked hard on the bill and all the partners and mayors who were able to reach agreements and compromises.
Minister of Transportation: "This is a significant day for public transportation in Israel. After more than three decades of discussions, we are promoting a move that will strengthen public transportation and enable decision-making closer to the public and local needs. The metropolitan authorities will create a true partnership between the state and local authorities, strengthen coordination between all means of transportation, and enable more accurate and efficient planning of the service. This is a historic reform that will improve the quality of life of millions of citizens, shorten travel times, and help reduce road congestion.".
Minister of Finance: "Israel is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and therefore more advanced management tools are required. Establishing metropolitan transportation authorities is a reform that has been in broad professional consensus for over 30 years, and is an accepted standard in all developed countries. The new authorities will enable more efficient planning and management of transportation systems in metropolitan areas, closer cooperation with local authorities, and the acceleration of solutions that will help improve public transportation, reduce road congestion, and save valuable time for millions of citizens.".
Ministry of Transportation Director General Moshe Ben Zaken: "The establishment of metropolitan authorities is a significant step in building an advanced, coordinated and more efficient public transportation system. The new model will enable data-based planning, close cooperation with local authorities and management tailored to the unique needs of each metropolis. This is a key tool that will help us provide better service to the public and continue to promote the public transportation revolution in Israel.""
Head of the National Public Transportation Authority, Idan Mualem: "The establishment of the metropolitan authorities places Israel in line with advanced countries and aligns it with international standards in transportation management. This is a courageous decision by Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, and led by the ministry's Director General Moshe Ben-Zaken, together with the Ministry of Finance. The move will enable a transition to regional, integrated, and data-based management, will better connect all means of transportation, and will adapt the service to the needs of passengers in the field."
