Egged Fined $230,000 for Repeated Bus Engine Idling Violations
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection fined Egged NIS 842,700 for repeatedly failing to turn off bus engines while parked. Despite Egged's proposed corrective actions, further violations were observed. The ministry stressed the importance of turning off engines to reduce urban air pollution. Egged stated it is addressing the issue and reinforcing driver instructions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Egged was fined NIS 842,700 by the Ministry of Environmental Protection for engine idling violations.
- The violations involved buses idling for over ten minutes at terminals, contrary to regulations.
- The ministry observed further infractions even after Egged presented corrective measures.
- Officials highlighted that idling engines, even in modern buses, cause unnecessary pollution.
- Egged stated it is addressing the issue and has reinforced driver instructions on idling.
Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection has imposed a financial penalty of NIS 842,700 (approximately $230,000) on the Egged bus company for repeated violations of regulations requiring bus engines to be turned off while parked. The infractions were documented at various bus terminals where buses idled for over ten minutes without their engines being switched off, contrary to company directives. The ministry had notified Egged in July 2025 of its intention to levy the fine. In response, Egged presented measures to prevent future violations. However, the ministry observed further instances of idling engines during seven additional inspections, leading to the rejection of Egged's request for a reduced penalty based on its corrective actions.
The fine was determined according to the Clean Air Law of 2008. The ministry reduced the maximum penalty by 20% because Egged had no prior violations, resulting in the final fine of NIS 842,700. Officials emphasized that even advanced Euro 6 standard buses emit pollutants when their engines are running, and turning them off during stops is a simple measure to prevent unnecessary emissions, particularly in urban areas with multiple pollution sources.
Iris Shalit, Senior Deputy Director for Supervision and Enforcement at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that the ministry documented additional violations after initiating enforcement proceedings. She affirmed the ministry's continued commitment to monitoring and enforcing regulations to reduce air pollution from transportation and protect public health. Egged responded by stating that the company adheres to air pollution reduction laws and that the issue is being addressed. Drivers have received updated instructions regarding engine idling, and supervision has been intensified. Egged pledged to continue cooperating fully with the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
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