In order to improve service and prevent passenger suffering: A unique center is currently being established to locate and direct drivers from among the Haredi public, which will replace the driver recruitment currently carried out by public transportation operators separately.
The project is an initiative of the Haredi Authority in the Prime Minister's Office, which began the process three years ago, with MK Uri Maklev taking up his position as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and in the Ministry of Transportation, responsible for the Haredi Authority.
The project will be operated through the Ministry of Transportation as the implementing agency, with the Haredi authority responsible for adapting the methods of operation to the Haredi public.
The agreement signed between the Public Transportation Authority and the company operating the project is for a period of 24 months, and includes the option of an extension for an additional three years, with the aim of increasing the number of public transportation drivers.
The new center will assist both in integrating the Haredi population into the labor market and in the ability to integrate Haredi drivers into lines operating in Haredi neighborhoods, with the aim of improving the quality of service and adapting to the needs of residents and reducing friction.
Today, there is a growing shortage of drivers in public transportation, which sometimes leads to a poor level of service along with the entry of drivers who are not suitable for the service. Because of this, the need to establish this center has increased, as part of the effort to continue to increase the number of drivers.
This will make it possible to improve service, reduce dependence on drivers who do not meet the required service standard, provide a response during periods of high demand that fall on holidays and observances in the calendar, and ensure more reliable and accessible public transportation for all citizens.
The center will also serve as a knowledge center and work in collaboration with professional entities, with the aim of integrating the Haredi population into quality employment that provides a decent livelihood.
A study conducted by the Haredi authority revealed that in places where drivers from within the community were integrated, this led to a dramatic improvement in the level of service and the travel experience, and created a different atmosphere.
Upon the company's victory in the tender, MK Maklev met with the company's management, along with the head of the Haredi Authority, Roi Assaf, the company's CEO, Amir Asraf, the company's VP, Itai Plessing, and the company's human resources manager - to kick-start the project and implement it and assist them in doing so.
MK Uri Maklev, who initiated the project: "The move to expand the circle of drivers from within the Haredi public is of paramount importance - drivers who are intimately familiar with the community, its needs, its mentality and the required attitude. We are not talking about people who come from outside and are unaware of the sensitivities and unique characteristics of our public.".
""The Haredi authority invested significant efforts and budgets in this three years ago - to build a customized route that will change the face of the service, with personal accompaniment, meeting unique needs and improving the working conditions of the drivers. The shortage of drivers is clearly felt and causes severe and ongoing suffering for passengers. Bringing in drivers from the public is expected to bring about a dramatic improvement in the quality of service and the availability of the lines.".
""We believe that it is possible to elevate the field of public driving and make it a respected, lucrative profession, and most importantly - adapted to the values and lifestyle of the Haredi public. This is an ongoing effort that is now bearing fruit.""
Head of the Haredi Authority, Roy Assaf: "The Haredi Authority was established to promote dedicated government solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Haredi public. We are working to build tailored employment infrastructure, including training and professional guidance, aimed at expanding services from within the public itself and improving the quality of the service. It is important to us that those who provide the service recognize the values of the community and provide a real response.""
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