Local Leaders Confront Transportation Ministry Over Failing Bus Service

Local leaders from Judea and Samaria, Beit Shemesh, and the Jerusalem corridor protested at the Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday, demanding urgent intervention in the public transport crisis. The severe operational issues stem from the company "Tnuva," which operates bus routes in these areas, leaving thousands of passengers stranded daily. Despite expecting to meet with senior ministry officials, including Transportation Minister Miri Regev, the mayors were not received.

Yair Stabon, Mayor of Ariel, stated that thousands of residents are suffering from the Ministry of Transportation's ongoing failure. He criticized Minister Regev and her ministry for their inaction, emphasizing that the situation is not a minor glitch but an abandonment of the public. He added that residents of Ariel and Judea and Samaria will not be held hostage by governmental failure.

Internal data from the National Public Transport Authority reveals the extent of the problem: in the first half of the year, "Tnuva" failed to operate approximately 5% of its scheduled routes, incurring cumulative fines of about NIS 80 million. It is estimated that out of around 400 buses under the tender, 50 to 80 are consistently out of service due to issues like a lack of spare parts and maintenance problems.

The operational collapse and reliance on contract drivers, which is prohibited by the Ministry of Transportation, occur amidst negotiations for the company's sale. Among the company's owners is Likud party senior figure Itzik Koifman, who holds a 51% stake through "China Motors," alongside the Shashaa group and Maya Tour. "Metropolin" is reportedly considering acquiring the company.

Local leaders warn that without severe sanctions and the cancellation of the current tender, passengers will continue to bear the consequences. Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg called for an immediate intervention by Minister Regev to compel the company to fulfill its obligations and restore basic, reliable public service. Kiryat Ye'arim Council head Yitzhak Rabitz declared that they would not leave the Ministry of Transportation until a solution is found, demanding an immediate new tender as "Tnuva" is incapable of providing service.