There was a total collapse of the special education bus service in Bnei Brak on Sunday morning. As many as 450 children were unable to find a suitable solution and many remained at home due to the system wide failure.

A bid was held involving well-known bus companies. It is explained that unlike in previous years, this time a maximum price ceiling was set in terms of the bid. As a result, most companies bowed out, explaining the ceiling was too low to permit making a profit, leaving the special needs children at home from school.

The Jerusalem-based ‘Tzur Transportation’ competed in the bid and won as a result of others backing out. Some of the tender committee members also warned that the new company would not be able to actually handle the shuttles, as it did not have enough buses and services in the central area. On the other hand, the company’s owners promised to open branches in Bnei Brak.

Officials in Bnei Brak City Hall explain that the company that won may be a large one but it is still Jerusalem-based, not Bnei Brak and problems are anticipated.

In the interim, MDA, United Hatzalah, Yedidim and other volunteers have stepped forward and are transporting children in their own vehicles until a solution is found. Parents of special needs children may phone 1221, United Hatzalah, for assistance.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)