A major campaign is underway in Israel towards increasing salaries and improving conditions for public bus drivers. The major nationwide campaign is underway to make the bus driving industry a more respectful profession for Israel’s 3,000 bus drivers.

In 2016, the Transportation Ministry decided to increase the salary of drivers to NIS 39 an hour. By announcing the wage for all drivers, the ministry eliminated any advantage of working for one company over another.

However, at least one company decided to go a step further by increasing the wage of drivers in the Sharon Eshkol to NIS 43 hourly, and that was the Superbus Company. This also created a new reality among drivers.

Egged followed, increasing the salary of drivers to NIS 43.5 an hour. Hundreds of promotions were announced as well. Metropolin followed, announcing an hourly salary of NIS 44 in addition to driver incentives. This resulted in many persons announcing their decision to become a bus driver. There is also considerable competition in the industry today.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)