Last Updated on December 3, 2021

Israel Transport Tariff Reform

Hebrew: רפורמת התעריפים בתחבורה הציבורית במטרופולינים

The Basics of the Reform

As of  1 January 2016. passengers using public transport will be able to use a new pricing method which applies  to all modes of public transport (as defined by the Ministry of Transport)  in the metropolitan areas and any combination thereof.  Until now you had to pay separately for the various modes of transport however as of 1 January, 2016 you can load your RAV KAV (multi-transport ticket) with a new ‘Travel-Pass’.  This new travel-pass allows you to travel on the bus, by train, metrobus and the light rail, separately or combined within a given metropolitan area (subject to the limitations of the selected pass).

Metropolitan Areas

There are 4 Metropolitan areas that are included in the Transport Tariff Reform and they are Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva. Within each metropolitan area there are three zones or ‘bands’ – Hebrew” Tabaot – within the metropolitan boundary.  As long as you remain within this boundary you can combine different modes of transport with the new Travel-Pass

In each metropolitan area, each zone or band has a central band – Band No. 1, and 2 outer bands, Band 2 and Band 3

• Band 1 – includes the city center and surrounding neighborhoods (most of your transport requirements will take place in Band 1)
• Band 2 – areas that are further out and beyond the central band.  Band 2 has sub-zones as well.
• Band 3 – are areas further out and beyond Band 2.  Band 3 also has sub-zones.

To travel from one Band to another, you need to select and purchase a Travel-Pass and fare combination that covers those areas.

• Israel’s public transport system and services explained

Fare Options

• A single-ride ticket option is still available, this can be loaded onto you Rav Kav or you can buy a single paper ticket.  If loaded onto your Rav Kav you have a 90 minute window in which you can transfer to another bus to another.  There is NO 90 minute window nor a transfer option with a single paper ticket.
• Now, the new Travel-Pass incorporates 3 additional  types of fare options, which have come into effect

1. Daily Pass

• The Daily Pass is valid on the date of purchase only. The pass is valid on buses, trains, light-rail and metrobuses, depending on the area selected at purchase
• Daily Pass fares start at NIS 16 ( Band 1) and up to 44 NIS  (Band 3) – the entire Metropolitan area

2. Weekly Pass

• The Weekly Pass is valid for 7 days from the date of purchases and allows you unlimited travel
• The Weekly Pass is to be purchases from the transport operator or at a train station
• Weekly Pass starts at NIS 75 ( Band 1) and up to 190 NIS (Band 3) – the entire Metropolitan area

3. Monthly Pass

• The Monthly Pass is valid for one month and it can be purchased either from the Transport Operator or at the train station.
• Monthly Passes purchased via  the public transport operators are valid for one calendar month (from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month) and can can be purchased from the 25th of the previous month.
• Monthly Passes purchased at the train stations are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase.
• Monthly Pass starts at NIS 250 ( Band 1) and up to 495 NIS  (Band 3) – the entire Metropolitan area

Route Combinations

There are 7 different zones and sub-zones in Tel Aviv and 8 in Haifa, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva.  The are numerous route combinations within these zones and each available combination, has its own fare.  Each fare has a ‘sharing code’ and when you purchase your ticket, you must be sure that you purchase it according to the ‘sharing code’.  In Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beer Sheva there are 12, 14, 16 and 15 sharing codes respectively.  So in total, there are 57 different ticket rout/pricing options.  The route maps can be accessed on the Transport Reform website at www.trans-reform.co.il/.   Please note that when you click on the English option, you will be required to download a PDF file with all the information.

If we understand this new system correctly, here is an example of what can be done using the various transport options within Band 1 in the Haifa Metropolitan area:

You can get on a train in Haifa at Hof HaCarmel, get off at the Merkazit HaMifratz train station adjacent to the Cimemall,  take in a movie, hop on a bus to the Druze Villages (Usufiya & Daliat El Carmel) then catch a bus to the Hadar where you can go to the Shuk then hop on a Metronit, get off in the German Colony, take in the view of the Bahai Temple on Ben Gurion Blvd., get on the Metronit again, stop at the Egged train station, hop on the next train and get off at Hof HaCarmel  all for cost of the 16 shekel Daily Pass,

If you were to do this on the old system, this day’s worth of transport would cost around 45 NIS.  Now that’s a cool saving!!

• Israel’s public transport system and services explained

Loading the Travel Pass onto the Rav Kav

Travel passes can be loaded by bus drivers, at “Al-Hakav” centers, charging stations all over Israel, bus company ticket offices, train stations, and on the Rav Kav website – ravkavonline.co.il.  You have to register on the Rav Kav website and then you can proceed to load or refill your Rav Kav.  The website is in Hebrew.

Any discounts you are entitled too; students, pensioners etc., will be programmed into your Travel Pass on the Rav Kav.

Learn these new Hebrew Words & Phrases

Call *8787 for more info (no promises for an English speaking customer service rep)