The Public Transport Tariff Reform Comes to the Metropolitan Areas

The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, and the National Public Transport Authority are Proud to Launch: The Public Transport Tariff Reform Comes to the Metropolitan Areas

Load, Combine, Ride, Save

Till now, travel on the various modes of public transport (bus, metrobus, train, light rail) meant paying separately for each mode, depending on your point of departure and destination. From January 1st 2016, you can load your Rav Kav card with the great value “Travel Pass”, which includes bus, rail, metrobus and light rail, and enjoy seamless travel on all these transport modes (separately or combined) within the limits of the metropolitan area you have selected.

Start Thinking “Metropolis”, Not “Destination”

The new method divides the public transport map into four metropolitan areas: Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva. Within each metropolitan area there are three “bands” marking the metropolitan center and outer areas. From January 1st, according to the pass you purchase you’ll be able to travel within the metropolitan boundary and combine different modes of transport.

Attractive Prices

You can choose between a daily, weekly or monthly pass that includes all modes of public transport within the selected metropolitan area , allowing you to enjoy more destinations and travel options - at a cheaper price!

Your Rav Kav Card is Your Ticket to Loading a “Travel Pass”

Using your existing Rav Kav card, you’ll be able to load the “travel pass” of your choice, and even enjoy discounts where applicable. The best in accessibility, safety and convenience!

Israel Connects to Advanced Transport

Public transport via travel passes that include the use of all available modes of transport within a specific metropolitan area, is a commonly used method in all developed countries around the world. From January 1st, you too will be able to enjoy this advantage.

No Change in Lines or Routes

There is no change to existing routes or route numbers. The new plan affects only the type of public transport tickets, their prices and their validity in various areas.

Q&A

What are the advantages of the reform in public transport tariffs in the metropolitan areas?

Until now we have been using multiple modes of public transport: buses, trains, metrobuses and light-rail, and we have been paying each operator separately for each ride. As of January 1st, thanks to the new reform, we will be able to purchase a regional travel pass that can be used for all types of public transport. This pass can be used for unlimited travel within the boundaries of a specific metropolitan area on all modes of public transport – either each mode separately or several combined (subject to the limitations of the selected pass).

What is the metropolitan (area) system?

The new method divides the public transport map into four metropolitan areas: Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva. For your convenience, each metropolitan area is divided into three zones (“bands"): the central zone (band 1) which includes the city center and surrounding neighborhoods, in which most of the trips take place; and the outer zones (bands 2 and 3) that consist of areas far from the center. To travel within a certain band or from one band to another, choose the pass that covers the desired areas.

Which types of passes are available?

There are three types of passes: one-day pass, weekly pass (7 days) and monthly pass (30 days). The price of a pass depends on its duration and the number of bands that it covers.

Monthly Pass/30-Day Flexible
A pass that enables unlimited travel on all modes of public transport. Passes purchased via public transport operators are valid for a full calendar month (from the 1st until the last day of the month) and can can be purchased from the 25th of the previous month. Alternatively, passes purchased at train stations are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase.
Weekly Pass/7-Day Flexible
A pass that enables unlimited travel for one week from the day of purchase. The pass remains valid for 7 days beginning on the date of purchase, whether purchased via a public transport operator or at a train station
One-Day Pass
A pass valid for the day of purchase only, from the start of service on that day until service ends in the area covered by the pass. The pass is valid on buses, trains, light-rail and metrobuses, depending on the area selected at purchase.

How will I know which pass is the best for me?

The decision is individual and depends on your travel habits. Check the map or the list of towns to see where your points of departure and destinations are, and consult the table of pass types.

Can I still purchase a single ticket (either paper or using my Rav Kav), and what does the ticket enable?

Yes. In Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, you’ll be able to top up your Rav Kav card with a pass that remains valid for 90 minutes, enabling the holder to transfer from one bus route to another as it is done today (only buses are included at this stage). You will also be able to buy a paper ticket valid for a single trip, which does not enable transfer.