In the presence of Transportation Minister Uri Maklev and the director-general of his office, along with MK Uri Maklev and invited guests, the Knesset launched its transportation lobby to advance relevant public transportation issues. Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz stated “We are putting billions into the national infrastructure but not allowing the public to realize this”. Also in attendance were heads and directors of major bus companies.

Head of the caucus Yahadut Hatorah MK Uri Maklev stated “The public transportation impacts the agenda of everyone and it is therefore proper for government offices to assist.” The caucus is co-chaired by Meretz MK Tamar Zandberg.

Katz said there is a connection between all public transportion and as more is done to develop the system and more Israelis opt to rely on public transportation, hundreds of millions of shekels will be saved annually. Katz added that in his past years in office at the helm of the ministry, funding has not been an issue delaying advancement of public transport. The minister feels the reason that the public transport system has not been what it should be is because it takes time to ignite a new system as often plans for improvement get delayed on the drawing board.

Regarding pricing Katz explains his office remains in a dispute with treasury officials as he believes transportation in periphery areas must be heavily subsidized. He explains if billions of shekels in infrastructure is poured into these areas to bring viable transportation options to residents, he does not want high costs to be a deterrent keeping riders away. “The treasury wants to increase the fares in Gush Dan as well and I am opposed” the minister added.

Maklev added, “The lobby is discussing all areas of public transportation including accessibility, availability, reliability, information to passengers, attitude towards riders, environment, technology and more. The discussion will be expanded to address each aspect individually. This lobby is open to the public and is responsible to the public. Transportation is an essential service of every person and it affects one’s agenda regarding school, work and so on. The matter of public transport is not political and it is supported by all parties. We believe that cooperation between ministries and especially the Ministry of Transportation. Ultimately these efforts will bring improved service”.

Zandberg stated “The matter of public transportation verses private is a national goal. The good intentions of government agencies to improve public transportation remain in the realm of intentions at this stage. We could have been in the midst of a public transportation revolution but we are treading water or even moving backwards. The facts show that the practical policy of the government is continuing to invest in roadways and interchanges to serve private vehicles but funding for public transport remains minimal. The gap in Israel in public transportation indices points to a large gap in the current budget but beyond this, there is the huge gap in infrastructure investment. Narrowing this gap will take years but if we do not begin moving the process we will find ourselves with deteriorating transportation, with less employment and housing opportunities and reduced quality of life, increased pollution and increased family expenses”.

Knesset Finance Committee Chairman MK Moshe Gafne applauded the establishment of the lobby adding the chareidi tzibur relies heavily on public transportation, more than any other sector and he will do his utmost to assist the lobby in his capacity as chairman of the finance committee.

MK (United Arab List) Dov Hanin was voted in as the head of the transportation subcommittee. He added “The minister’s words are a bit optimistic as we find large gaps compared to where we should be. Nothing less than a public transportation revolution is required.

Among those taking part in the meeting was MK (Labor) Prof. Emanuel Trajtenberg, an economist, adding building the public transportation system is essential towards narrowing economic gaps between segments of Israeli society.

The nation’s head of public transportation in the ministry, Meir Chen, was also present, explaining in the past five years there has been an 8% increase in funding for public transportation, a significant increase in the number of buses, service, and a number of other parameters. He stressed it is a long process and it is not possible to actualize solutions in the immediate future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)