Hundreds of trips canceled to reinforce lines to ultra-Orthodox centers during "Bein HaZmanim"

While public transport passengers are already dealing with trip cancellations, a shortage of drivers, and overcrowding, extensive changes to the bus network across the country are coming into effect starting today (Wednesday). The Ministry of Transport website revealed that hundreds of trips on various lines have been canceled or reduced, in parallel with the reinforcement of dozens of lines serving the "Bein HaZmanim" period, which will continue until August 14.

Every year, the National Public Transport Authority carries out special adjustments for the "Bein HaZmanim" period, when yeshiva students and many families go on vacation. This year, the plan includes a significant reinforcement of lines to ultra-Orthodox centers and leisure destinations, including Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Tiberias, Safed, Meron, the Sea of Galilee area, the Superland in Rishon LeZion, and the separate bathing beaches in Ashkelon. In addition, seasonal lines have been activated and trips have been added on lines where the ministry expects particularly high demand.

However, the reinforcement is not being carried out by adding a fleet of buses or drivers, but by diverting resources from other lines. According to documents published by the ministry, hundreds of trips on intercity and commuter lines across the country have been canceled or reduced. The Authority notes that among the lines where adjustments were made are routes from Rosh HaAyin, Kafr Qasim, and Kiryat Ono to Tel Aviv, which it claims are characterized by a seasonal decline in demand during the summer.

These changes raise the question of the Ministry of Transport's priorities once again. At a time when the public transport system is dealing with a shortage of drivers and insufficient frequency on many lines, the ministry chose to divert service supply in favor of lines where there is a seasonal increase in demand. For many passengers, this means longer waits and fewer alternatives in the event of a trip cancellation.

"The public transport system in Israel suffers from a chronic shortage of drivers and buses," said Sivan Shmuelovitz, CEO of the '15 Minutes' organization. "We all understand that the 'blanket is short' and it is impossible to meet all demands simultaneously. But precisely for this reason, the Ministry of Transport is required to demonstrate responsibility and a logical order of priorities. The decision to cut hundreds of trips from central lines, which are also used to reach employment centers, just to reinforce leisure lines for the 'Bein HaZmanim' vacation, is an unreasonable decision that indicates poor navigation at the national level."

According to Shmuelovitz, while specific demands must be met, the solution cannot come at the expense of the public that relies on public transport to get to work. "We call on the Ministry of Transport to update the allocation of resources and to find a balanced solution that will allow the summer vacation to take place without harming the ability of the general public to reach workplaces on time and comfortably."

The National Public Transport Authority stated: "The National Public Transport Authority carries out adjustments to the scope of public transport services throughout the year, in accordance with demand patterns that change between seasons. During the summer months, there is a natural decline in demand on lines characterized mainly by commuting. In parallel, there is a significant increase in demand on lines used for leisure and vacation. These are seasonal and temporary adjustments intended to allocate public transport resources in the most efficient way, in accordance with the changing needs of the public during this period."