According to a report released by Riva, which monitors public bus service in Israel, 11 million NIS in fines were levied against public bus companies in 2011, the result of 54,000 complaints that were filed against the public bus service providers.

According to a HaMevaser report, the data is not filed with the Knesset Economics Committee despite committee chair MK (Likud) Ofir Akonis’ request to receive information quarterly. It appears the ombudsman’s office is simply swamped, unable to address the increase in the number of complaints.

3,261 complaints were received in 2011, resulting in 1,709 investigations. The average probe into a complaint takes 78 business days. 454 cases are still pending. This represents a significant increase in complaints from 2010, when 2,332 complaints were received. 1,500 complaints addressed the new ‘Rav Kav’ smart card being used on Egged and the Jerusalem light rail.

Despite the increase in the number of complaints, there are less criminal indictments. 127 indictments were filed in 2009 as compared to 36 in 2011.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)