Israel’s Transportation Ministry Begins Refunds for Reduced Public Transit Service After ‘Lion’s Roar’ Strike

Four months after the significant public transportation disruption known as the "Lion’s Roar," Israel’s Ministry of Transportation will start issuing refunds to passengers holding monthly or student transit passes during the affected period. The refund campaign begins this Sunday and applies to those with monthly "free" passes who were unable to use their subscriptions due to the substantial service reductions, as well as to holders of annual or second-semester student passes for the 2025/2026 academic year. Passengers can claim refunds until December 31, 2026.

The refund amount is automatically calculated based on the number of days the transit service was curtailed. Monthly pass holders will receive a daily pass credit equivalent to the days of reduced service or may opt for a discount on their next monthly pass purchase or a stored value credit on their Rav-Kav card equal to 70% of the unused days’ value. Student pass holders will receive similar discounts on their upcoming annual or first-semester passes or stored value credits.

Refunds can be redeemed through the Hop-On and Rav-Kav Online apps, at physical charging stations across the country, or by phone. Moshe Ben Zaken, Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, emphasized the ministry’s coordination with transit operators to ensure a fast and convenient refund process. He stated, "The system identifies eligibility via the Rav-Kav card and presents relevant redemption options to passengers. We will continue working to provide efficient, fair, and accessible service everywhere and at all times."