The chairman of the Economics Committee, MK Yaakov Margi, opened the committee's first meeting in the 23rd Knesset this morning (Tuesday), with a discussion on public transportation during the coronavirus pandemic, and said that public transportation is one of the important arteries that can inject oxygen and drive into the economy, and the feeling is that it is not happening exactly like that.
In light of the recent congestion and difficulties in operating public transportation, Chairman Margi asked: "Why wasn't a plan made to use a critical mass of private operators who were staying home? I know about franchises and laws, but the government knows how to operate under emergency regulations. We could have created platforms and parallel routes for private operators. It would cost money, but in a time of crisis, all possible relief should have been provided.".
Deputy Minister of Transportation, MK Uri Maklev, responded that he believes Chairman Margi is right.
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""I asked the previous minister, MK Bezalel Smotrich, about this, and the answer was that the Treasury Department did not allow it. We must not return to this situation," said the deputy minister.
The director of the National Public Transportation Authority, Amir Asraf, previously said that Israel has about 11,000 buses and about 16,000 drivers. Maintaining the level of service according to the limits of 20 passengers instead of 60 requires 3 times as many buses.
He added that the passenger limit increases the subsidy budget by 1.5 billion shekels in annual terms.
As for the train, Asraf said that it is expected to return to full operation on June 8.
He said, "They installed thermal cameras on the train and they will be able to detect people with a fever. This is the conclusion that allowed us to look differently in the last week. The images (of overcrowding) did not repeat themselves.".
