Economic Daily Criticizes Public Transport Boost for Ultra-Orthodox as Taking from Secular Israelis

The Israeli economic newspaper "The Marker" published a controversial article titled "Taking from the Secular and Giving to the Ultra-Orthodox - Also in Transportation," addressing recent public transport adjustments during the "Bein Hazmanim" vacation period. The report claims that hundreds of bus trips across the country were canceled or reduced to reinforce routes serving ultra-Orthodox communities and popular vacation spots, citing examples from lines connecting Rosh HaAyin, Kafr Qasim, and Kiryat Ono to Tel Aviv where frequency was lowered during the holiday.

The article frames the service increase for the ultra-Orthodox as coming at the expense of secular passengers, implying that the ultra-Orthodox are not receiving service based on demand but rather by diverting resources from others. It acknowledges a severe shortage of approximately 5,000 bus drivers complicating the Ministry of Transport's ability to add trips without cutting others. The ministry responded that summer sees decreased demand on commuter lines but increased leisure travel, necessitating seasonal adjustments. However, these operational challenges were not reflected in the headline, which focused on the ultra-Orthodox community.

The piece also links the transport reinforcements to former Transport Minister MK Uri Maklev’s tenure, during which about 100 million shekels were allocated to improve public transport in ultra-Orthodox areas after years of under-service relative to population growth and dependency on buses. The program included added trips and better service during peak times. Yet, the article contrasts this with claims that general public service barely improved, reinforcing a narrative that gains for ultra-Orthodox riders come at secular riders’ expense.

This framing drew criticism from ultra-Orthodox political circles, who argued that whenever the ultra-Orthodox receive deserved service improvements, it is portrayed as taking from others. They noted that seasonal service boosts to destinations like Eilat and the Sea of Galilee are accepted as normal, but similar boosts for ultra-Orthodox areas are immediately politicized. They called for a professional discussion on the transport system’s driver shortage and service issues rather than creating sectoral conflicts by blaming the ultra-Orthodox community.

The article highlights ongoing tensions in Israeli public discourse over resource allocation and communal relations, especially regarding public services and minority groups.