Israeli Transportation Ministry and Bnei Brak Municipality Launch Joint Effort to Resolve Public Transit Crisis

After weeks of public disputes and sharp accusations over Bnei Brak's public transportation system, the Israeli Ministry of Transportation and the Bnei Brak Municipality have agreed to collaborate on improving transit solutions. On Wednesday, a working meeting took place at Mayor Hanoch Zeibert's office, attended by Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken, Deputy Mayor and Transportation Commissioner Michael Kakon, Deputy Mayor Yehoshua Mendel, Mordechai Babchik, and other senior officials from both sides.

The meeting resulted in several key agreements, including the formation of a joint team to develop a new intercity transportation plan for Bnei Brak, accelerated advancement of public transportation terminals, exploration of express bus lines for northern neighborhoods, and removal of obstacles with infrastructure companies such as Netivei Ayalon. This marks a significant turnaround following recent tensions, including a widely circulated critical video released by the municipality against the Ministry and public accusations of unwillingness to cooperate.

The conflict had escalated over issues like bus routes, the central bus station, and dedicated bus lanes. Following the public outcry, Moshe Ben Zaken ordered an urgent meeting with Bnei Brak officials, which has now led to official understandings. Earlier this week, seven main bus lines were reinstated on Chazon Ish Street, signaling a move toward broader cooperation. Both parties now aim to continue working together to implement comprehensive transportation improvements that could reshape Bnei Brak's public transit system in the coming years.