[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
During a session of the Knesset Economics Committee, in his capacity as a member of the subcommittee on public transportation, MK Uri Maklev raised the issue of the antiquated public transportation options in the capital, focusing on the Jerusalem light rail. In his own words, “Commuters in Jerusalem continue to be held captive by CityPass”, which operates the light rail service.
He explains the system is anything but commuter friendly and the same can be said about inspectors. He questions why a woman entering a car is given a summons before she has time to apply the brake to the baby carriage she is pushing and open her purse, and why an elderly woman who moves slowly is treated as a criminal. And then he cites an even more absurd case, a commuter with a valid monthly ticket who was given a summons. He explains he has paid for the entire month so why give him a summons – because they can!
Maklev then speaks about the machine that issues tickets that cannot accept a bill over NIS 20 and incapable of handling too much change. He calls the system “Antiquated and unacceptable” and the actions of inspections “cruel and sadistic”.
Maklev wants to understand why the smart card is not working from the light rail to the bus and vice versa, once again leaving passengers paying twice for service that should be free of charge under the 90-minute transfer arrangement.
Maklev feels “it is easy to blame CityPass but the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Ministry of Transportation” and he is taking his case to the ministry. He reminds committee members that Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz last year made a promise to Moshe Gafne, that these issues would be corrected no later than the beginning of 2016, but this is yet to occur.
Maklev calls on Katz to make renewing CityPass’ contract to operate the light rail contingent on presenting a detailed scheduled explaining when the issues will be corrected.
As usual, CityPass has a response, with the representative attending the Knesset committee meeting explaining persons issued a summons can appeal to the committee if they believe the summons was unjustifiable.
Committee Chair MK (Machane Tzioni) Eitan Cabel set another meeting in a month’s time, at which time he expects clear responses on the matters raised from Ministry of Transportation representatives.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Thank you MK Maklev!!! The response of City Pass that “persons issued a summons can appeal to the committee if they believe the summons was unjustifiable” is completely unacceptable. It is gezel zman and energy from the public. And to fine NIS 180 from those who have paid monthly passes, the same amount as those caught trying to ride for free is a bit much, no? I am so glad that this issue is being dealt with!