A proactive enforcement policy by the Ministry of Transportation, which includes initiating criminal proceedings and filing indictments, led this week to a severe verdict, including a fine of 40,000 shekels and personal compensation to the passenger totaling 22,000 shekels, alongside additional fines and penalties against the Dan company, a bus driver, and the company - for a serious incident of exclusion of women and discrimination on public transportation.
The incident occurred in January 2023 on bus line 292, which operates between Bnei Brak and Petah Tikva.
A 76-year-old passenger who boarded the bus was asked by a bus controller to move to the back of the bus, claiming that it was a "mehadrin" bus. After she refused, offensive and discriminatory remarks were made to her, with the driver being involved in the incident.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
The Tel Aviv District Traffic Magistrate's Court ruled that this constitutes improper conduct that violates human dignity and constitutes a violation of the obligation to provide equal service in public transportation.
The indictment was filed by the Ministry of Transportation's National Prosecution Department, as part of a clear policy of zero tolerance towards the exclusion of women and discrimination in public transportation. "The ministry works systematically to identify cases of violation of passenger rights, through overt and covert enforcement, and does not hesitate to take legal action against public transportation operators and their employees," the ministry says.
According to the verdict, Dan was convicted and fined 40,000 shekels and paid 20,000 shekels in compensation to the passenger. The driver involved in the incident was fined 6,000 shekels, paid 2,000 shekels in compensation to the passenger, had his driver's license suspended, and was ordered to pay 50,000 shekels in compensation for three years.
The driver, whose involvement in the incident was considered minor, was convicted and fined 2,500 shekels and ordered to refrain from committing a similar offense for three years.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: "I welcome the ruling, which comes as a direct result of a clear and determined policy by the Ministry of Transportation. The exclusion of women and discrimination in public transportation are a red line. We will act with all the tools at our disposal, including enforcement on the ground and legal proceedings, to ensure that every passenger will receive equal, respectful and safe service.""
