Public transportation officials in Yerushalayim are preparing for the tens of thousands of riders who will use the city’s services on Shushan Purim, Monday 15 Adar 5773. The daily Yated Ne’eman reports the operation “is the largest in Israel,” involving over 2,000 buses – explaining Purim brings with it unique challenges for the public transportation providers.

Officials explain vehicular traffic on Purim is particularly heavy in the capital, not to mention the cars parking illegally, many occupying bus stops, and of course the Purim parades and festivities, all adding to the challenges faced by bus drivers.

The height of demand is on motzei Shushan Purim when thousands are returning home from seudas Purim, usually in the span of a relatively short period of time. Experience from previous years has taught Egged that trying to operate buses on Bar-Ilan is close to impossible during these hours. Therefore, the plan implemented last year for a centralized stop will be operating this Purim again. Buses wait in a central area and depart when full, immediately pulling out of the area without additional stops. This proved an asset last year, permitting the intercity buses to depart for their destination without getting caught up in traffic snarls in the area.

Beginning at 18:00 the centralized waiting area will begin operating, canceling regular routes for the intercity lines. The buses at the centralized waiting areas will leave for 17 different destinations, including Bnei Brak, Modi’in Illit, Betar Illit, Ashdod, Arad, Kiryat Gat, as well as other locations in southern and northern Israel. Towards accommodating the central waiting program, Kikar Belz will be closed to private vehicles and intra-city lines. This will result in minor changes in the routes of a number of intra-city bus lines.

This year, Kikar Shabbos will not be closed to public transportation as in past years. If the area becomes too congested, buses will be rerouted on a “need to be” basis when this occurs. The 71, 56, and 36 lines will meet at Zaks (Zvill) Square in Yerushalayim.

Traffic enforcement will be stepped up in the hope of keeping major thoroughfares clear for buses.

A command center will be set up by the Ministry of Transportation in City Hall working together with police. A substation will operate in Givat Mordechai, utilizing real-times cameras to monitor major intersections.

For additional information regarding to changes in bus routes one may call *8787.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)