Beginning on Sunday, August 18, 2019, one may use one’s Rav Kav smart card to pay for a ‘sheirut’ taxi on three lines in Tel Aviv; the 2, 4 and 5.

The main significance is that one will then receive the same discount one receives when paying for a bus, as charging the card with NIS 30 will give the card holder NIS 37. To date payment for the ‘sheirut’ taxi lines could only be made in cash, eliminating any discounts available using a smart card.

It is explained this is a first step in the major reform taking place, and other ‘sheirut’ taxi lines will be included in the program permitting the use of smart cards as well, in Tel Aviv and in other cities.

The ‘sheirut’ services operating on Shabbos will not accept the smart card payments.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)