Bnei Brak Restores Seven Key Bus Routes to Original Hazon Ish Street Path After Public Outcry

Following weeks of intense public protest and disputes with the Ministry of Transportation, the Bnei Brak municipality announced on Monday that starting Wednesday, seven major public bus lines will return to their original routes along Hazon Ish Street. The affected lines include 402 and 412 to Jerusalem, 350 to Ashdod, 220 and 230 to Modi'in Illit, and 680 and 681 to Beit Shemesh. These buses will resume traveling through Hazon Ish, Nadvorna, Ezra, and Rabbi Kahaneman streets, as they did prior to recent roadworks.

Additionally, the municipality revealed that line 402 to Jerusalem will be extended to begin from the Ayalon Mall area, passing through Ben Gurion Street and Jabotinsky Boulevard before continuing along the restored Hazon Ish route. This decision follows a public campaign highlighting the hardships faced by thousands of passengers, including long walks and inconvenience caused by the previous route changes.

The conflict escalated after Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert sharply criticized the Ministry of Transportation for neglecting the city's needs, describing the situation as "complete abuse" of residents forced to walk long distances with children and strollers. The Ministry and municipality exchanged accusations, with the Ministry claiming the city requested the route changes and that the plan was under professional review. Following media exposure and public pressure, the Ministry's Director General Moshe Ben Zaken instructed urgent talks with Bnei Brak's municipal leadership to resolve the crisis.

Residents welcomed the announcement, with local resident Shlomo telling Kikar HaShabbat that restoring the routes will save time, reduce unnecessary walking, and alleviate distress for thousands of commuters. He expressed hope that this step would lead to further improvements in the city's transportation system.