Transportation minister unveils bus rapid transit in Haifa
Metronit attracts thousands of passengers on first ride; Minister Yisrael Katz says Tel Aviv metropolitan area far behind
After years of anticipation, the Metronit, a new, long rapid transit bus servicing Haifa
and its area that can seat 104 passangers, was unveiled Friday to the glee of thousands of passengers. In the system's trial period, which will last six to eight months, passengers will ride for free, and many residents have already chosen to take advantage of the new transportation means.
"The Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area is far behind with regards to public transportation," Transportation Minister, Yisrael Katz said.
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"The TA Metropolitan area isn't accustomed to this kind of efficiency in transportation yet," he said. "There was an option to build a metro train there years ago. I'd like to bring them here and show them how well things can go."
Haifa's Metronit (Photo: Zvi Roger)
In a special press conference prior to the Metronit's first ride, Minister Katz conveyed that this is a trial period and more lessons will be learned as the new system continues its run. "This system is special," he said, "It's the most advanced in Israel next to the Light Rail in Jerusalem. It's a beautiful and exceptional thing in Israel, that the more advanced areas are outside Tel Aviv."
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