The National Infrastructure Committee (NIC) approved today (Monday) to forward for comments and objections the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety's plan (NIC 185) to upgrade and expand the central Hamifratz Integrated Transportation Complex (ITCC) - one of the largest and most important integrated public transportation hubs in Israel.
The Bay Center currently serves as the northern gateway for public transportation to the Haifa metropolis and as a major integrated transportation hub at the national level.
This is the largest and busiest transportation center in Israel, with approximately 30,000 passengers per day, 75 bus lines, and approximately 4,500 trips per day.
The metro connects a wide range of means of transportation: national and suburban trains, the future "Nofit" light rail line, the cable car to the Technion and Haifa University, the metro lines connecting Haifa with the Krayot, Nesher, and later also with Tirat Carmel and Acre, alongside urban and intercity bus lines to many destinations throughout the country.
Sub-project 185 is designed to increase the capacity of the bus terminal, expand the operational areas, improve bus and passenger traffic, and enable the Bay Central Station to continue to serve as a central hub in the public transportation system of the north in the coming decades. The plan responds to the expected significant increase in demand for public transportation, against the backdrop of development plans in Haifa Bay, the Krayot, Nesher and Tirat Carmel, including TAMA 75 and the urban renewal and growth plans in the area.
The Ministry of Transportation emphasizes that the existing shortage of operational areas at the Gulf Central Station requires expansion and upgrading of the infrastructure now, to enable increased frequency, adding lines, accommodating electric buses, and improving the continuity of service for the traveling public.
Expanding the bus network will enable more efficient management of bus traffic, reducing operational burdens, and improving the experience of transferring between trains, metros, buses, cable cars, and the future light rail.
The advancement of the plans constitutes another significant step in the strategic plan led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety to expand public transportation infrastructure in Israel, which includes approximately 650 infrastructure facilities for operating buses throughout the country. The plan is designed to enable additional service, improve reliability, shorten travel times, accelerate the transition to electric buses, and strengthen connectivity between the various modes of transportation.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: "We are connecting the Haifa metropolitan area and the north to a more advanced, efficient and accessible public transportation system. The Gulf Center is a strategic transportation hub for the State of Israel, and the decision we passed today will allow us to increase service, strengthen connectivity between Haifa, the suburbs and the north, and provide the public with a real, convenient and reliable alternative to the private car. This is part of our vision to build a smart, green and advanced public transportation network throughout the country.".
