Israel funds free intercity travel for Knesset vote
The Central Elections Committee covers costs for roughly 660 bus routes and all train lines to help voters reach polling stations on Tuesday.
By Elizabeth Turner ·
Passengers can ride intercity buses and trains across Israel for free on Tuesday, the day of the 26th Knesset elections.
The Central Elections Committee pays for the initiative, which began at 8 p.m. on Monday and continues until public transit services end on Tuesday night. The program is available to all riders, not just eligible voters. The estimated cost is NIS 3.5 million, managed through the Transportation Ministry. Officials expect the number of rail passengers to exceed the record set during the 2022 elections.
The free fare covers approximately 660 intercity bus routes that are longer than 15 kilometers. This is an increase from the 600 routes covered during the 2022 election cycle. All Israel Railways lines are also included in the benefit. Local city buses, light rail systems, the Metronit bus rapid transit network, and the Carmelit underground railway in Haifa still charge regular fares. Riders can verify if a specific bus route qualifies by calling the Transportation Ministry hotline at *8787.
Boarding procedures vary by mode of transport. On eligible intercity buses, passengers do not need to show ID, purchase tickets, or validate Rav-Kav cards. On Israel Railways, passengers must collect a special paper ticket from a station counter or machine. They should avoid using Rav-Kav cards or mobile apps to prevent extra charges. Travel to and from Eilat requires an eligibility check based on residential address and advance registration through Egged’s information center at *2800.
Israel Railways is increasing service between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to manage expected demand. From noon until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, three trains will run per hour in each direction between Yitzhak Navon Station and Tel Aviv, up from the usual two. Some added trains will start or end at HaHagana Station in Tel Aviv. Police have limited the number of passengers traveling to and from Jerusalem due to anticipated congestion. Riders must obtain a free personal travel voucher in advance via the Israel Railways website. Staff will check these vouchers upon boarding.
During the 2022 elections, rail ridership rose by roughly 33 percent, climbing from a typical weekday count of 249,146 to 331,706. Officials anticipate that number will be broken on Tuesday. Passengers are advised to monitor updated schedules and service changes on the Israel Railways website, its app, the *5770 hotline, or its WhatsApp channel.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
