Jerusalem, 25 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Ministry of Transportation, through the Israel Roads Company, has begun a new pilot to strengthen transportation connectivity in the western negev and the Negev Highlands, through the establishment of “Park and Ride” parking lots, shared parking lots, and “Kiss and Ride” (Drop-off and Go) bays. The project is designed to create transportation service centers that will improve the travel experience, increase the use of public transportation, and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and overcrowding at central stations.
The pilot will be in three locations: Shaar Hanegev, Gilat Junction, and Arara in the Negev. The locations were selected based on operational feasibility, high immigrant concentration, proximity to major traffic routes, and accessibility to existing public transportation, with the goal of creating efficient connection points between private vehicles and public transportation.
As part of the pilot, unique adjustments were made to the national transportation model to predict parking usage patterns. The adjustments allow for a distinction between users who will leave their private vehicles and continue their journey using public transportation, and users who will leave their vehicles and continue their journey using a shared vehicle. This combination allows for a more accurate assessment of demand, onward movements, and impacts on the road network and public transportation.