A soldier was removed from line 80 of the Metropolitan bus company in the city of Arad this morning (Sunday), allegedly following passengers' claims that this was a private shuttle for yeshiva students and Talmud Torah students.
The incident, which took place this morning in the southern city, sparked many reactions from residents and municipal officials.
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According to a report by Yanir Yagna on the Walla website, in a video published by Arad Mayor Yair Maayan, he said: "This morning there was a very serious incident in Arad. A soldier got on a bus, and the passengers, Talmud Torah students, told her, it was a private bus, it was line 80. One of the teachers was also with them, he also said it was a school bus and the bus driver dropped her off.".
Following the incident, the mayor threatened: "This is a very serious case, this is a criminal offense, a serious disciplinary offense by the driver. I called the CEO of Metropolitan, I immediately called the Minister of Transportation, I informed them both that one more time they get a female passenger off a public transportation bus here in the city of Arad, the Metropolitan company will no longer travel in the city. No one will travel here in the city anymore. Criminals will be dealt with by the Israel Police and by the Ministry of Transportation, and if the Metropolitan company does not know how to provide service to the residents of the city of Arad, they will not work in the city of Arad. I informed the CEO of Metropolitan, if anyone says such a thing, to pull over and call the police. He will not continue the trip and will not let any woman off the bus.".
In his remarks, the mayor emphasized that the public space in Arad is open and belongs to everyone, regardless of gender. According to him, anyone who is not willing to be together with women in the public space should not use public transportation.
The mayor added: "This is very serious, and we will handle this with all seriousness. And I ask that next time, whoever this happens to, call me, call me on the phone, don't get off the bus, wait until I arrive with the city's CEO, with the city police, and we will handle criminals the way criminals should be handled.".
Metropolis told the Walla website: "The incident described is serious and is being investigated by the company. No conclusions should be drawn before the professional investigation is completed.".
