The pilot program is meant to address the problem of congested roads. Some 500 drivers have been enlisted to receive an annual NIS 4,500. Each time he or she drives during rush hour, a small amount is deducted from the sum. Drivers can also receive bonuses if they take carpoolers or ride the bus.
Awards will be given out at the end of the year.
If all goes well, according to Israel21c, as many as 5,000 drivers will be offered to join the incentive program.
A similar program was tried in 2013 to some effect.
An October 2018 report by Israeli-founded GPS navigation company Waze showed that a staggering 79% of Israeli drivers say traffic is the greatest cause of stress in everyday life.