The Israeli government has approved a road toll for entering Tel Aviv by car. According to The Jerusalem Post, the new paid entry system will begin operating in 2028 to reduce traffic congestion in the metropolis and encourage the use of public transport.
Although the launch of the project was originally planned for 2027, its implementation has been postponed. The final decision on the exact launch date will be made by Israel’s next government. Under current plans, the system is expected to be launched by the end of 2028, by which time new light rail lines are also scheduled to open in Tel Aviv.
Toll rates and payment zones
Tel Aviv will be divided into three tariff zones: outer, middle, and inner. During the morning peak hours, from 06:30 to 10:00, drivers will pay 10 shekels for entering each zone.
During the evening peak hours, from 15:00 to 19:00, the rate will be 2.5 shekels for the outer zone and 5 shekels for the middle and inner zones.
The maximum daily payment for passenger cars is set at 37.5 shekels. Trucks will pay double rates. Although rates for taxis are halved, no daily maximum payment limit will apply to them. Motorcyclists and car owners holding a disabled parking permit will be fully exempt from the new charge.
Infrastructure and financing
To control the system, 220 electronic gates will be installed at the city’s entrances and exits. Under a contract signed with the government, Electra Group will handle the development and technical maintenance of the system, while Partner Group will construct the telecommunications infrastructure. The project is expected to be operated for at least 20 years.
The government forecasts that the toll will bring approximately 1.4 billion shekels annually to the state budget. Half of these funds will be allocated to public transport development, while the remaining part will go toward partially financing the metro project in the Tel Aviv area, the total cost of which exceeds 175 billion shekels.
Source: 9tv.co.il