The Ministry of Transportation and the National Public Transportation Authority announced today (Tuesday) a significant change in the public transportation control system - with the aim of making the travel experience more pleasant and providing humane and respectful service to the entire population.
The new plan, formulated at the initiative of Transportation Minister Miri Regev and the ministry's Director General Moshe Ben Zaken, places passenger rights and humane and respectful service at the center, with special consideration for diverse populations - such as minors, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Under the new procedure, flexibility will be allowed in validating and paying for another passenger via Rav-Kav in travel arrangements that are not based on personal entitlement. This change represents a significant relief for families and companions, and reflects the new concept of citizen-centered service.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
The new procedure specifically regulates the process of requesting payment of an increased fare for minors aged 12-18, while ensuring that parents are informed and taking into account the young age of the passengers. This is in addition to the passenger's obligation to sign a confirmation of receipt of the payment request, on a digital terminal or on a paper document, which will ensure full transparency in the process.
One of the significant innovations in the program is limiting the number of controllers on the bus to the number of doors, except in special cases and with prior approval. This change is intended to prevent a feeling of overcrowding and pressure among passengers, and to ensure proportionate and effective control.
The plan explicitly stipulates the obligation to exercise discretion in controlling people with disabilities, children, senior citizens, passengers with baby strollers and heavy luggage, thereby anchoring the values of consideration and accessibility in the public transportation system.
As part of expanding passenger rights, the time for submitting a request to cancel an increased fare (fine) has been extended to 45 days and the time for making payment has been extended to 60 days. This will allow passengers more time to deal with payment demands.
In addition, a complete ban on delaying bus travel times was imposed as part of the control, to ensure adherence to schedules and reliable service for passengers.
When the new procedure comes into effect, the inspectors will undergo special training that will emphasize the values of courteous and professional service, and a control and supervision system will be implemented for the work of the inspectors themselves.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: "I am proud to lead today another service revolution in public transportation in Israel, which will make the travel experience more respectful, pleasant and efficient for all citizens of the country.
""The plan we are presenting today is a significant step in improving the public transportation system worthy of the renewed State of Israel. It opens a new era in public transportation in Israel, an era of respectful service, transparency and mutual trust. I believe that the way to encourage the use of public transportation is first and foremost through quality, fair and respectful service. This is just the beginning of a series of significant steps we will take to raise public transportation in Israel to the highest standards.".
Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben-Zaken: "The new procedure, formulated in the spirit of the policy led by the Minister of Transportation, is the result of a new concept in public transportation, which places the passenger at the center with the aim of providing him with advanced service. Thanks to Minister Regev's vision and policy, we have succeeded in creating a balanced procedure that combines control efficiency with human dignity and service. At the same time, we are investing many resources in training the controllers themselves, to ensure professional and courteous service. This is an important pillar in the overall revolution that Minister Regev is leading in public transportation in the State of Israel.".
