{
  "id": 3009814,
  "title": "Gush Dan metro could operate on Shabbat as driverless trains may cut NIS 150m. in annual costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/gush-dan-metro-could-operate-on-shabbat-as-driverless-trains-may-cut",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T12:00:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-906399"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The planned Gush Dan metro system, featuring highly automated and driverless trains, could potentially operate on Shabbat, thereby reducing the number of Shabbat violations associated with its operation. While security and operations personnel would still be needed on Fridays and Saturdays, eliminating drivers would save approximately NIS 150 million annually. This is significant considering the shortage of public transportation drivers in the region. The Metropolitan Mass Transit System company (NTA) has published prequalification processes for companies competing in the tender for the trains, systems, and operations of the metro project. Each tender will include integration between all systems and network operation and maintenance services, requiring a combined group of foreign and Israeli companies. The Gush Dan metro network will handle over 600 million trips annually, providing an alternative to traffic congestion and allowing residents to live farther from workplaces in less expensive housing while still reaching their destinations quickly. The project's cost is estimated at approximately NIS 175 billion, with commercial launch expected between 2037 and 2045.",
  "summary": "The planned metro system will be capable of operating on weekends, with the elimination of drivers reducing the extent of Shabbat violations, although this is only a technical option.",
  "key_points": [
    "Driverless trains could operate on Shabbat, reducing Shabbat violations.",
    "Eliminating drivers would save NIS 150 million annually.",
    "Project cost estimated at NIS 175 billion with commercial launch 2037-2045."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}