Gush Dan metro could operate on Shabbat as driverless trains may cut NIS 150m. in annual costs

The NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System company (NTA) has initiated the prequalification process for companies to tender for the Gush Dan metro project's train systems and operations. This follows a previous stage for tunnel and station construction, with the project now moving to integrate trains, signaling, and control systems. The highly automated, driverless metro system, expected to launch gradually between 2037 and 2045, could save NIS 150 million annually by eliminating approximately 1,000 driver positions and is technically capable of operating on Shabbat, though this decision rests with political leadership. The network will span 150 kilometers with 109 stations across 24 local authorities, anticipating over 600 million annual passenger trips.