Transit Authority Approves NIS 2.5 Billion Shfela BRT Operator Tender

Israel's Public Transport Authority tender committee approved publication of a NIS 2.5 billion, 10-year tender to operate the Shfela BRT network. The planned 30-kilometer system will link Kiryat Ekron, Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Rishon LeZion and Tel Aviv, with projected daily ridership of about 110,000. Initial operations will include two Blue Line routes and the western Brown Line, and the fleet is expected to introduce 24-meter double-articulated electric buses to regular Israeli service. Ayalon Highways aims for trials and initial service in 2028, with full operation expected in 2029.