For 13km on one of Israel’s most clogged freeways, one lane flows quickly.
The westbound lane on freeway number 1, connecting Jerusalem to Tel-Aviv, is sign-posted as the “fast lane”. Drivers must pay a toll for the privilege of a clear run.
The fee ranges from 7 to 105 Shekels (US$2 to 30) depending on the time of day and how much other traffic there is. The other lanes are free. But, importantly, if a car has three or more people in it (at times, four), the fast lane becomes free.
