On Tuesday, the cost to ride public transportation in Israel rose again, further raising the cost of living.
The cost to purchase a monthly bus pass rose 5%, while individual fares rose by even more: A single bus fare now costs 6 NIS, up from 5.5. NIS, while light rail fares will now cost 8 NIS each, up from 5.5 NIS.
The price hikes are mainly due to the increasing costs to operate public transit, including the price of gas, insurance, and the cost to pay bus drivers. Public transit in Israel is heavily reliant on buses, which require more drivers and thus higher operating costs than rail transit, which can transport more passengers per driver.
Back in March, the Transportation Ministry announced a new plan under which released IDF soldiers ride free for a period of one year following the end of their service, and young adults ages 18-26 receive a 33% discount.
Additionally, people with recognized disabilities, along with people who are eligible for National Insurance Institute stipends, and people of low socioeconomic status, can receive 50% discounts.
Furthermore, a second stage of the new plan will exempt women over the age of 62 and men over the age of 67 from paying for transit fares. The second stage is expected to take effect in several months. Currently, only senior citizens over age 75 ride free.
Israel has invested heavily in car centric infrastructure, and tends to prioritize cars over public transit, despite the incredibly high costs of car ownership in the country.
{Matzav.com}
“Israel has invested heavily in car centric infrastructure, and tends to prioritize cars over public transit, despite the incredibly high costs of car ownership in the country.”
Time to step back, reevaluate, and reverse that.
This isn’t true. You claim that Israel revolves around public transportation and then said that was car-centric.
While in Lakewood, you have to have a car, in Israel, you can live in Eretz Yisrael without one especially if you’re near a city or in a city. Everyone uses the bus. And many things are walking distance.
As for the article, it was 6₪ per single ride two years ago. Also, there’s now more railroads being built for the light rail. And a half-shekel difference doesn’t mean much.
Cost to Ride Israeli Public Transit Rises Again and the sheeple in Israel who don’t give a hoot about anything will just pay like shefalach.