Local Leaders Protest Public Transport Disruptions, Demand Immediate Fix

Mayors and council heads from several Israeli towns and settlements, including Beit Shemesh, Ariel, Karnei Shomron, Alfei Menashe, Kedumim, and Kiryat Yearim, gathered at the Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday to protest ongoing disruptions in public transportation services operated by the company 'Tnuufa'. They urged Transportation Minister Miri Regev and her staff to intervene immediately and restore reliable and consistent service to residents.

The protesting officials, including Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg and Ariel Mayor Yair Shterbon, stated that the crisis affects tens of thousands of passengers. They cited canceled trips, delays, and a lack of reliable information, which leave commuters stranded and impede their ability to reach workplaces, educational institutions, hospitals, IDF bases, and other essential destinations.

Beit Shemesh Mayor Greenberg described the situation as "transportational chaos," stating that residents cannot continue to be "hostages" to the operating company. Ariel Mayor Shterbon warned that if the Ministry of Transportation does not provide a swift solution, the local leaders will escalate their protest, asserting that residents of Ariel and the West Bank will not be "hostages to governmental failure."

Karnei Shomron Council Head Yehonatan Kuznitz reported that public transportation in the region is in "complete collapse," even after the company received leniencies to help meet its obligations. Alfei Menashe Council Head Shi Rosenzweig called the situation a "catastrophic regional event," noting that residents are missing medical appointments, work, and court hearings. Kiryat Yearim Council Head Yitzhak Ravitz added that cancellations occur without notice and the company's call center is unresponsive, preventing residents from planning their daily schedules.

The local leaders are demanding that the Ministry of Transportation compel Tnuufa to adhere to its service agreements, immediately reduce trip cancellations, and present a plan for operational continuity. They also proposed that if the company cannot fulfill its commitments, the service should be transferred to another operator. Kedumim Council Head Ouziel Vatik mentioned that in addition to cancellations, residents also suffer from poorly maintained buses and that authorities have been warning the Ministry of Transportation about the crisis for over two years without a sufficient solution.