What does she have against the metro?
Why do transportation barriers prevent construction?
A rare professional interview with Transportation Minister Miri Regev
Minister Miri Regev.
"Connecting Israel"
Photography:
Ben Hadad
Produced by the Department of Special Supplements
Transport Minister Miri Regev left a shock among experts, declaring that she would oppose the metro in favor of trains to the periphery.
The supporters of the plan were called "patrons of the State of Tel Aviv."
"I will oppose the metro, because at the moment we need to connect the periphery to the center with another network of tracks, parallel to the coastal track," said Minister Regev, causing a storm.
Its opposition stems from the replica amounts required for the development of the metro - a budget of NIS 150 billion, of which NIS 80 billion is from the state budget.
But the train has already left the station, it seems.
Less than two days later, the National Planning and Building Council discussed the publication of a notice setting conditions and restrictions for the issuance of building permits around 32 metro stations, out of 109 planned stations in 24 local authorities.
Transport Minister Miri Regev had quite a few opportunities to generate media noise during her five months in office, from the level of steak to various and bizarre allegations of close appointments.
A professional interview about her office activities was not conducted with her.
Regev states in the opening of the interview: "When I entered the office, I presented a clear vision - to connect Israel, to enable transportation accessibility and social mobility for every citizen, using transportation as a tool for social and cultural change.
Faced with decisions made by Israeli governments in the past that led to the de facto creation of the Second Israel, I intend to make historic decisions that will affect Israel's face and erase the differences between the center and the periphery.
"I intend to dismantle monopolies, promote innovation and free competition in all areas of the ministry's responsibilities. Expenditure on vehicles is the second largest in the Israeli household, and every effort should be made to alleviate these expenses. I presented the ministry's senior officials with my worldview, and instructed the ministry director. This policy is in all areas of action. "
We turned to experts and senior officials in the field, who will pose difficult and professional questions to the Minister.
Nir Mesika, former deputy director of the National Housing Headquarters:
The realization of tens of thousands of housing units is questionable due to various transportation barriers, such as building interchanges, arranging transportation solutions for mass transit and more.
How does your office intend to address the removal of these barriers?
"It is not wise to set up neighborhoods without thinking about entry and exit solutions. In the planning stages, the ministry's representatives, after in-depth transportation inspections, suggest the correct development stages. These conditions are not the barrier but the solution. I instructed the ministry's professional bodies "I work with all the heads of the authorities to produce the necessary solutions to the challenges of developing and increasing the supply of apartments."
Yigal
Guvrin, chairman of the Association of Engineers:
The forecast for population growth in Israel for the next 20 years is an unquestionable fact.
How will you support the growing population, beyond adding roads and railways?
"At the strategic level, the entire Israeli government must work to disperse employment areas. The large percentage of the public traveling to Tel Aviv and its surroundings every day inevitably increases congestion. Many companies realized that the employment model changed following the Corona crisis. It is possible to work remotely, not necessarily from home but from regional employment centers." This will help in the matter of transportation solutions.
"Mass transportation solutions around the world have been shown to be the best alternative for reducing congestion. At present we see many populations connecting to micro-transport means, such as bicycles and bicycles. But keep in mind that as long as we all travel to the same place there will always be congestion. We are committed to providing effective solutions. For those who are willing to travel with more people and give up the private car.
"It is clear to all of us that during these years, autonomous vehicles will be assimilated on the roads, which will reduce road accidents. I am glad that I was able to advance legislation on the subject, which will allow Israel to expand its experiments and position itself on the innovation front."
Pini Malka, co-owner of Maoz Daniel, a company engaged in urban renewal:
Do you see investing in transportation infrastructure as a driving force to get out of the recession to which the Israeli economy has been dragged as a result of the corona?
"Absolutely. When I took office, I presented to the members of the government the Israeli New Deal plan for the development and acceleration of infrastructure in the economy, in order to create new jobs. Investment in planning and carrying out transportation projects has a direct impact on many entities involved in the field. , Lawyers, accountants, catering services and the list is long.
"At the economic level, reducing congestion has a clear effect on labor productivity. The world understands that in times of crisis those who have lost their livelihoods should be encouraged to work on infrastructure projects. It is important that we promote infrastructure so that emerging the crisis will support infrastructure The closures accelerate the electrification project of the train and we have shortened the schedules by about two years. "
Adv. Lior Bar-On, CEO of the Association of Independent Engineers and Architects:
Will the Ministry of Transportation under your leadership continue to implement the multi-year plan for the development of the State of Israel's infrastructure for the years 2022-2018, which the Prime Minister announced in late 2019?
"Several months ago, we added many projects to the multi-year plan, in order to utilize the Corona period for infrastructure development, in a way that would prepare the Israeli economy for emerging from the crisis and creating more jobs. NIS 2.1 billion out of the NIS 5 billion allocated to accelerating infrastructure projects. "
Hofit Peretz, CEO of Peretz Bonni Hanegev:
Although the transportation infrastructure in the periphery has improved in recent years, it is not enough to make Israelis move away from the center of the country.
How do you intend to solve the problem?
"This is one of the first things I was required to do when I took office. I landed to prepare a strategic plan for transportation in the Beer Sheva metropolitan area. .
We will accelerate the development of highways between Be'er Sheva and Tel Aviv, provide smart public transportation, allow bicycle paths and widen streets, all in order to connect Be'er Sheva and the entire south to the Tel Aviv and Gush Dan metropolitan areas, create population dispersion, create jobs and transport accessibility. "I am working to promote the Eastern Railroad, to widen Highway 6 and to reduce tolls in order to connect Israel."
Itai Haim, founder of the Association of Passengers and Transportation Experts on Our Way:
What is the real solution to traffic jams in your eyes without Metro, as there is in the big world?
"I came to the Ministry of Transportation with a clear policy, to connect Israel and bring about transportation justice and distributive justice for all citizens of the country. In the central region we are in the midst of huge projects in the field of mass transit, including light rail connecting the center cities, with an investment of 60 billion shekels. Of about NIS 600 million.
"Therefore, I announced that at the same time as submitting the metro plans, when we reach a stage where we will be required to decide on a project that requires an estimated investment of at least NIS 80 billion, I will oppose it until the completion of the Mizrahi train that connects Kiryat Shmona and Eilat to the center. "But also in Dimona. Also in Givatayim, but also in Shlomi and Kiryat Shmona."
Adv. Anat Biran, an expert in planning and construction law and represents dozens of property owners and residents in objections to the metro plan:
Does the state have a budget for compensation claims for impairment, which will arrive the day after the metro approval?
"The issue is being examined by the planning bodies, but in general it can be said that transportation projects only increase the value of the assets, and do not take them down. A good example can be learned from the light rail project in Jerusalem, which initially suffered many oppositions but eventually led to a revolution. Passes and brings a renewal to the city center. "
Senior Engineer Israel David, Member of the Board of the Standards Institute and Acting Chairman of the Association of Infrastructure Engineers:
Metro plans include construction restrictions on adjacent lots in uniform engineering instruction.
All over the world the substance of the matter can be discussed at any site.
How can this problem be solved?
"The route of the light rail in the underground sections passes mostly under roads, not under buildings. Due to the length of the lines, the metro is also designed under built-up area. It is clear that there are restrictions on building height, due to restrictions on foundation depth. "It is important to understand that the construction restrictions are only above the metro strip, which is about 40 meters wide, in places where the route passes under the buildings. With the detailed planning promotion, the restrictions will become clearer and remain only in places that require it."
Gil Laser, CEO of
GOTO
Global, a company that operates cooperative transportation systems:
What is the Ministry of Transportation doing to promote alternative personal transport, such as cycling, motorcycles and shared vehicles?
Why today only local authorities give a hand to it, without government support?
"The Ministry of Transportation allocates resources and budgets, assists in planning and encourages local authorities to pave bicycle paths in their area. As part of the Openidan project, about 100 km of bicycle paths will be paved, which will connect many cities.
The Department of Transportation has been encouraging collaborative travel and in recent years changed the regulation to allow more people to share paid travel.
"At the same time, I am currently promoting another reform that will accelerate cooperative travel. This reform is in the midst of staff work and we will soon be able to announce it to the public. The Ministry of Transport is struggling with finance officials to get budgets for bicycle paths.
Raul Srugo, President of the Association of Builders of the Land:
The State of Israel encourages the transfer of infrastructure and construction work to foreign companies, mainly owned by the Chinese government.
This is a targeted elimination of the industry on which the Israeli economy rests.
Is it desirable to establish in the law tools for the protection of Israeli infrastructure and construction companies?
"In light of your request and the government's decision on the matter, I instructed the ministry to examine the issue and present me with professional recommendations for the various infrastructure tenders. There is no doubt that we should prefer blue-and-white Israeli work. At the same time, there are cases where knowledge and expertise are required." In these cases, the Ministry of Transportation encourages foreign companies to join Israeli companies for the purpose of joint activities, which will create as many jobs as possible for the Israeli economy. "
Roni Mizrahi, President of the Chamber of Contractors and Chairman of the Mizrahi Company & Sons:
Many projects, both in urban renewal and in roof agreements, are delayed due to the lack of complementary transportation infrastructure.
Is the Ministry of Transportation aware of this?
"I instructed my office staff to promote a transport memorandum obligation, which will be submitted as an integral part of the planning process. At the same time, we explicitly announce that we will oppose the promotion of plans that do not address tailored private and public transport solutions. And we do not spare effort and creative thinking. "
Eilat entrepreneur Avi Karel:
When can we finally travel by train to Eilat?
"The train to Eilat, as part of the Eastern Railway, is at the top of Maayan. The project is also important in the commercial aspect, as a result of the Avraham agreements, and the great potential for opening a new trade route to Israel through the port of Eilat. The project has been delayed by planning institutions." "To create a common outline with the planning institutions to promote a breakthrough and to create a binding framework of schedules. I hope and believe that we will bring a line on the matter soon."
Bnei Bitton, Mayor of Dimona:
How will we promote the international airport in the Negev
?
"I am happy and proud that after more than a decade during which the decision was transferred between the various parties, I decided that the airport will be established in the south. This is what is right for the State of Israel at this time, and will have positive consequences for the Negev and the south in the coming decades.
"Only a few days ago I went down to the field to promote with the heads of the authorities an in-depth professional discussion on possible alternatives to the location of the airport in the Negev. I instructed the staff of the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority to submit the recommended alternatives. I am aware of the Air Force and aviation authorities' decision. I intend to bring to the government, and from there to promote planning and implementation, in coordination with all the necessary factors. "
title:
Half certificate
Talking real estate with Ofer Petersburg. Listen to the new podcast >>
What achievements has the Minister of Transportation attributed to her in the last six months?
Operation of transportation in the days of the Corona, while formulating an outline for the operation of the Israel Railways.
Acceleration of the electrification project to the tracks.
Operating the bus system and preventing it from collapsing, despite the 50% occupancy limit.
The opening of the sky in the outline is also agreed during the closure.
Opening of the Corona Laboratories at Ben Gurion Airport.
Decision to promote a railway to Likit, to support the IDF's move to the Negev and to strengthen the periphery.
Decision to establish a complementary airport in the Negev.
The social price list for a second-hand car, for use by all car buyers.
Establishment of a vehicle history database and mechanical treatments.
Establishment of a master plan team for transportation in Be'er Sheva.
Presentation of a strategic plan for transportation in Judea and Samaria.
Handling of delayed projects - in the Haifa metropolitan area, the Red Line in Tel Aviv and many other projects.
Promoting autonomous vehicle legislation.
Promoting cooperative transport through a variety of reforms, which are currently under accelerated staffing.
Launch of an app that will allow discounted travel in the periphery and maintain user privacy.
Produced by the Department of Special Supplements