The Egged and Dan bus cooperatives will be paying out 30 million NIS, 20 million NIS and 10 million NIS respectively in a deal reached surrounding a class action suit filed by 24,000 blind and visually impaired riders who succeeded in pointing out the two major public transportation companies failed to comply with Ministry of Transportation regulations compelling them to accommodate blind commuters. The settlement, which has not yet been signed, will result in signatories receiving 1,250 NIS each.

In addition to the payment the bus companies are working to finally comply with regulations, which include an audible notification of stops on the older buses and Braille signs at bus stops and other measures to permit visually challenged riders to make their way around without relying on the good will of others.

(Newer buses come with PA systems which announce the current and next stop to the benefit of riders).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)