While the Transportation Ministry last week ordered halting the motzei Shabbos bus arrangement from the Kosel, intervention by Minister Katz at the last moment resulted in a continuation of the service. The first buses leaving the Kosel after Shabbos permit frum riders to get on without paying to permit them to return to their homes without having to walk.

What appears to be at the heart of the issue is the fact that Egged believes most riders do not pay for that ride during the week as they should. When YWN-ISRAEL spoke with motzei Shabbos riders, most were actually quite upset for they were never informed they are expected to pay and they now realize they may have stolen a service, albeit not intentionally. They explain that most believe the first ride after Shabbos is free and it never occurs to people to pay. They question why Egged points an accusing finger at frum riders, accusing them of not paying, when in fact no one has ever announced one is expected to pay. They add “there was never a sign instructing us to pay during the week”.

However it appears the intervention was short lived and according to an announcement in chareidi newspapers, Egged will demand payment when one gets on at the Kosel on motzei Shabbos beginning with Parshas Behaloscha, this coming motzei Shabbos the eve of 10 Sivan 5774. The notice says riders must have a payment card with them. Egged of course does not explain how frum riders arriving at the Kosel on Shabbos afternoon will have a smart card on their person after Maariv but this is the new regulation.

MKs Eli Yishai (Shas) and Uri Maklev (Shas) are working to prevent the elimination of the motzei Shabbos arrangement, which permits many mispallalim to come to the Kosel for Mincha and Maariv and get a ride home to neighborhoods including Givat Shaul and Har Nof.

According to the announcement from Egged, one should be able to ride on the first buses on motzei Shavuos, this coming Wednesday night.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)