Bus Strike Averted by Court, But Fuel Shortage Halts Jerusalem Area Service

Numerous disruptions plagued bus lines in the Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria regions on Monday morning after drivers for the Tanufa company discovered their buses lacked fuel. The situation unfolded ironically as an emergency labor court convened in Jerusalem to hear a motion filed by the company to prevent a planned drivers' strike. The drivers are protesting the company's refusal to sign a collective labor agreement before its sale to the Metropolin company. Despite the court issuing a restraining order against the strike, which was set to be effective until the following Monday, many buses did not depart.

The primary reason for the service halt was a severe fuel shortage. Drivers reported being unable to refuel their buses, with some supervisors stating that fueling codes were unavailable and authorization for refueling at regular stations was denied. Consequently, bus services from Emmanuel, Karnei Shomron, Sha'arei Tikva, and surrounding areas were almost entirely suspended. Only buses with pre-existing fuel from before the Sabbath could operate partially. Drivers were reportedly sent home as there was no way to operate the buses, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in remote areas with limited public transportation options.

The impact was less severe in Ariel, where buses were refueled the previous day. Tanufa company is currently facing potential revocation of its routes by the Public Transportation Authority due to a series of operational failures and numerous complaints regarding its inadequate service to residents in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Beit Shemesh, and surrounding areas.