Egged segregated bus fares are less

Egged Israel Transport Cooperative Society Ltd. fares on its controversial gender segregated buses for haredim (ultra-orthodox) - men in front, women in back - are less than regular fares on the same routes, because of the haredim's lower purchasing power. In effect, taxpayers are subsidizing the haredim in public transport.

For example, the fare on the segregated bus route from Bnei Brak to Safed is NIS 36, compared with the regular fare of NIS 45. The segregated bus makes one trip per day. The fare on the segregated bus route from Petah Tikva to Jerusalem is NIS 20, compared with the regular fare of NIS 24.50; the fare on the segregated bus route from Netivot to Jerusalem is NIS 24, compared with the regular fare of NIS 40; and the fare on the segregated bus route from Ashdod to Arad is NIS 24, compared with the regular far of NIS 47.

Egged's customer service said it had no explanation for the discounts for the segregated routes. Customer service provides the regular fare, and will only provide the discounted fare for segregated routes, if the caller explicitly requests this information.

Bnei Brak residents are unmoved by Minister of Transport Israel Katz's threats to shut down the segregated bus routes, knowing that the threats are empty, and that the lines will continue to operate as they have for many years.

Egged said in response, "Bus fares are set by the Transportation Supervisor. The Ministry of Transport and all public transport operators operate in accordance with these guidelines and there is no room for maneuver.

The Ministry of Transport said in response, "The difference in intercity public transport fares is due to historic circumstances set many years ago, and is not intended to give preference to any particular population. For a long time, the Ministry of Transport has sought to create uniform fares for public transport in Israel and to correct the necessary fares."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 20, 2011

Egged segregated bus fares are less

The fare on the segregated bus route from Bnei Brak to Safed is NIS 36, compared with the regular fare of NIS 45.