Public Transport Revolution: Local Authorities to Receive More Powers
The Knesset Economic Affairs Committee today approved a significant step toward improving public transportation in Israel. The committee approved for its second and third readings a bill to establish metropolitan transport authorities. This represents a major shift in how the state manages buses and trains in major cities.
According to the new law, a large portion of the powers currently held by the Ministry of Transport will be transferred to local authorities. The new authorities will be responsible for planning and managing transportation in their respective regions. The goal is to tailor the service to the specific needs of residents in each area.
Experts explain that the current situation, in which the government decides on every bus line, is not efficient enough. When local authorities manage transportation, they will be able to respond more quickly to issues on the ground. This could shorten waiting times and improve connectivity between neighboring cities.
The establishment of metropolitan authorities is part of a broader plan to improve the quality of life in cities. However, the transition requires close cooperation between various mayors. The law sets clear rules for the distribution of budgets and powers between the government and the new authorities.
Now, following the committee's approval, the bill will move to the Knesset plenum for a final vote. If the law is passed, Israelis could see changes in public transportation services as early as the coming years. This is an important step toward reducing traffic congestion on Israel's roads.