A class action suit has been filed by residents of Betar Illit against a bus company, seeking damages related to poor bus service against the Netiv Express Company.

The suit begins with this past Lag B’Omer as Netiv Express won the Transportation Ministry tender to provide service from Betar to Meron, but the service failed miserably. Hundreds of riders including men, women and children, who purchased tickets in advance were stranded on Lag B’Omer as buses never arrived.

In the lawsuit filed in the Jerusalem District Court, attorney Naftali Flass explains that on Lag B’Omer, Netiv Express was operating as a public bus company, providing service to a line for the ministry. The bus company Flass alleges failed miserably in providing a reasonable service for riders, who expected to arrive in Meron in a timely fashion, many wishing to attend the main ‘hadlaka’ (lighting of the bonfire). Flass points out there was monetary damage but even worse, many planned to celebrate the day at the Rashbi, with a considerable number of people having planned a ‘chalaka’ (upsherin) for their 3-year-old sons and this was sabotaged due to the poor performance of the bus company. In addition, people stood outdoors on a hot day for hours, waiting for buses to Meron.

The suit is seeking NIS 23 million in damages from the bus company. Flass points out the Transportation Ministry must also be held accountable for it operated the Lag B’Omer line, deciding to hire Netiv Express. The lawsuit adds that since riders purchased tickets in advance, the company had ample time and notification to know exactly how many buses would be required and during what hours of the day.

Betar Mayor Meir Rubinstein praises the lawsuit initiative, citing the time must come for bus companies to refrain from taking their responsibilities so lightly. He calls on chareidim in all chareidi cities to “stand up for your rights” and begin holding bus companies accountable.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)