Israel’s traffic nightmare deepens as just 16% commute by public transit

The share of Israelis commuting to work by public transportation has fallen over the past decade despite major investments in rail and light rail systems, while reliance on private vehicles has increased, according to new government data released Wednesday. Figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics’ 2025 Social Survey show that just 16% of employed Israelis age 20 and older commute by public transportation, down from 20% about a decade ago. About 12% travel by bus or shared taxi and 3.5% by train. Meanwhile, 62% commute by private car or commercial vehicle, up from 58% a decade earlier. The trend comes despite a significant expansion of Israel’s public transportation network over the period, including new heavy rail routes and light rail projects, and as traffic congestion on the country’s roads has worsened.