"Derech Agad", a subsidiary of the Agad Group, will begin providing service on intercity routes between Jerusalem and the cities of Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, Rosh Ha'Ein and Petah Tikva using approximately 90 buses. In this framework, the new line 404 will be launched, connecting Jerusalem to Bnei Barak North, and the activity of line 427 from Jerusalem to Petah Tikva will be resumed.
By the end of 2024, "Derech Egged" is planned to start operating short, urban and suburban lines as well, which will connect Mebasheret Zion, Givat Ze'ev and other towns in the Jerusalem area with buses powered by natural gas. In total, Derech Egged will operate more than 300 buses, for a total of 15.9 million kilometers per year, and are expected to serve 5.5 million passengers per year.
Gilad Riklin, CEO of the Egged Group:
"Egged is a group with tremendous growth, and this morning, the Egged family continues to expand. A year ago we won the tender for the first time ever, and today, a year later and after hard work by us and all our partners at the Ministry of Transportation, the drivers of Derech Egged are already on the road, serving tens of thousands of passengers a day in the entire Jerusalem area."
Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken:
"I congratulate Derech Egged on the start of its blessed activity in Jerusalem, from it and to it. This activity is carried out in accordance with the vision of the Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Lieutenant Colonel (resp.) Miri Regev, for connectivity between all parts of the country and the implementation of the 'Zedek' revolution The city of Jerusalem is a model for innovative, convenient, cheap and efficient public transportation and I invite everyone, with an emphasis on young people, those who have been discharged from the IDF and those who have completed national service, to use these options."