The smartcard used by an 80-year-old passenger on board the Jerusalem light rail had money on it, but it was expired. A light rail CityPass inspector who checked the woman’s Rav Kav smartcard realized it was expired. The passenger’s son, journalist Chaim Rivlin of News12 tweeted what occurred, receiving a response from the director-general of the Transportation Ministry. Karen Turner tweeted back, “I have no words. To take an 80-year-old off public transportation is shameful and despicable”.

Rivlin tweeted, “My 80-year-old mother was taken off the Jerusalem light rail because her card expired. The card had money on it, but it was simply expired. Why should it be? It is only 8 years old.

אמא שלי בת 80 הורדה מהרכבת הקלה בירושלים כי פקע תוקף הרב קו שלה. הוא היה טעון בכסף רק לא בתוקף, מין המצאה ישראלית: רב קו ל 8 שנים בלבד. מאחל לפקח שהוריד אישה בת 80 מהרכבת, לשרי התחבורה לדורותיהם ופקידיהם שמתעללים יום יום בנוסעי התחבורה הציבורית יום כיף בתחנת אוטובוס שמושה

— חיים ריבלין (@LifeRivlin) August 7, 2019

Transportation Minister Director-General Karen Turner responded to the tweet, stating she was going to look into the matter, apologizing for the actions of the inspector.

CityPass officials state the incident is not known to them.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)