Half of Israeli Adults Did Not Use Buses in Past Year, Survey Finds

A recent social study by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics for 2025 reveals that half of Israeli adults aged 20 and over did not use buses at all in the year leading up to the survey. Approximately 3.2 million people, or 50% of the population in this age group, used buses during that period. Women (53%) were slightly more likely than men (47%) to have used buses. Young adults aged 20-24 were the most frequent users, with 73% reporting at least one bus trip in the year.

The survey also indicated a decline in bus ridership over the past decade. In 2015, 57% of Israelis over 20 used buses, compared to 50% in 2025. The frequency of bus travel has also decreased, with only 15% of respondents using buses daily or almost daily, and 13% using them once or twice a week.

Public satisfaction with bus services shows mixed results. Only 31% of adults are satisfied with the frequency of intercity bus routes, with satisfaction levels varying significantly by city, from 29% in Tel Aviv-Yafo to 50% in Bnei Brak. Overall, 52% of respondents rated bus services as "good" or "very good," while 31% gave negative assessments. Higher satisfaction was noted in the Jerusalem and Haifa districts.

Among those who did use buses, satisfaction with specific aspects was higher. 82% of passengers are pleased with the proximity of bus stops to their homes, and 71% are satisfied with the cleanliness, ventilation, and comfort of the buses. However, only 56% believe they can reach their destinations within a reasonable time using public transport.

In contrast, rail transport saw higher usage and satisfaction. 44% of Israelis over 20, or about 2.8 million people, used trains in the past year. 66% of all respondents rated the railway positively, with 86% of actual train users expressing satisfaction. The study concludes that while buses remain a vital transport option for millions, their user base has shrunk over the last decade, with key passenger complaints focusing on route frequency and travel time.