Israel's Transport Authority Demands Control of Key Bus Stations from NTSBA

Israel's Public Transport Authority is demanding the state take control of central bus stations currently operated by NTSBA, a private company. The authority, led by Idan Mualem, accuses NTSBA of deliberately neglecting these vital public transport infrastructures and exploiting its monopolistic position. The dispute has escalated following NTSBA's filing of multiple lawsuits against the state and demands to vacate some stations, despite the lack of viable alternatives for the state.

The Ministry of Transport claims NTSBA has filed numerous lawsuits since 2021 while simultaneously neglecting stations and parking lots under its purview. The authority plans to transfer the management of these stations to the government-owned company Ayalon Highways. The core argument is that these stations and parking lots are essential public transport infrastructure and should not be dependent on private ownership.

NTSBA operates 17 central bus stations and nine parking lots nationwide, covering approximately 300 dunams and accommodating about 2,300 buses, representing 22% of the national bus fleet. Many of these stations are in prime urban locations with no immediate planning alternatives. The state is considering invoking a clause that compels NTSBA to continue leasing them, as NTSBA might convert them for more lucrative residential or commercial use.

The conflict stems from NTSBA's origins as a company to hold assets for the Egged bus cooperative, later controlled by Airport City. With the liberalization of public transport and the entry of new operators, NTSBA's stations began serving multiple companies, creating a dependency on private infrastructure. NTSBA is currently suing the state for significant sums related to station management and property taxes in various cities, including Tel Aviv (NIS 100 million), Kfar Saba (NIS 30 million), and Nahariya (NIS 18 million).

The Public Transport Authority stated that NTSBA operates about 18 central stations and parking lots, and there is an ongoing dispute regarding service levels, particularly cleanliness and maintenance, as well as payment disputes. Mediation has been ongoing for two years, with state representatives striving to improve services and avoid lengthy legal battles. NTSBA, however, claims the ministry's budget for station management is insufficient and dictates a low standard, while also accusing the ministry of delaying the handover of management to Ayalon Highways, which NTSBA has been financing for 18 months.