MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Rav Uri Maklev feels that people who do not use public transportation do not understand the issues and therefore, they should not be the ones making decisions regarding the system that so many Israelis rely upon daily.

Addressing a Knesset Audit Committee session dealing with planned reforms in the transportation system, the MK explained widespread reforms cannot be made without first consulting with the riders, those who use the nation’s public transportation.

Maklev told colleagues that to discuss a master plan and major changes in the system compels decision-makers to include the riders who have first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day issues. He cited commuters know what it means to wait and become ‘on edge’ wondering if a bus will arrive, or the frustration of the daily failure of buses to arrive in a timely fashion, or bus drivers to unilaterally decide to bypass a stop for one reason or another. He addressed the poor attitude of many drivers and how riders feel abused all too often a driver or bus company officials act as if they are doing commuters a favor.

Maklev explained that from his years in the public sector he has seen that changes based on constructive criticism from those who use the buses has lead to the most effective changes and not just decision-makers sitting around a table opting to implement change without having experienced the day-to-day issues confronting regular commuters.

Maklev wisely pointed out that the increase in ridership on the nation’s buses should not be interpreted as a sign of rider satisfaction. He explained many residents simply do not have an alternative. He feels the Transportation Ministry must define 5-6 major parameters and then bus companies must be monitored to measure compliance with these key elements.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)