Mayor Moshe Lion announces plans to charge vehicles entering Jerusalem once new train and light rail systems are operational, aiming to ease congestion and push commuters toward public transport.
Jerusalem — Mayor Moshe Lion announced Tuesday that once the city’s major rail projects are complete, drivers entering Jerusalem will face a congestion charge.
Speaking at the Israel Conference on Transportation and Parking, Lion said the new policy will take effect when:
- The intercity train reaches the City Center and Khan Theater stations,
- The Blue, Green, and Red light rail lines are fully operational,
- Micromobility networks within the city are improved.
“We will make it difficult for those who use a car to enter the city,” Lion declared. “We’re building giant parking lots at all entrances. Whoever insists on entering with a car will have to pay.”
Lion acknowledged that Jerusalem’s traffic is challenging, but compared it favorably to Tel Aviv:
“It’s not easy here, but in Tel Aviv, it’s worse. In a few years, Jerusalem will be the first to escape the traffic jams.”
Relief could come sooner for commuters:
- September 1 – Light rail service restored.
- End of January – Part of the Green Line to open.
Calling Jerusalem “the next big thing in Israel,” Lion said the changes will mark a transportation revolution for the capital.
