Mayors Protest Transportation Ministry Over Collapse of Tnufa Bus Services
Mayors from the West Bank, Beit Shemesh, and Jerusalem corridor protested at the Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday over the severe collapse of public transit services operated by the "Tnufa" company.
The public transportation crisis in the West Bank, Beit Shemesh, and the Jerusalem corridor escalated on Wednesday as a group of municipal leaders arrived at the Ministry of Transportation demanding urgent intervention. The severe crisis surrounding the operations of the "Tnufa" bus company—which operates routes in these areas—leaves thousands of passengers stranded daily. Despite expecting to meet senior ministry officials, led by Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, the mayors were ignored.
Municipal Outrage and Protests
Ariel Mayor Yair Shtavon stated that thousands of residents are paying the price for the ministry's ongoing failure. He emphasized that residents of Ariel and the West Bank will not become hostages to government failure, noting that the situation represents the abandonment of an entire public.
"Thousands of residents are paying the price for the continuous failure of the Ministry of Transportation. Minister Miri Regev and her ministry know all about the crisis, but in practice, our residents are left at the stations," Shtavon said.
Internal data from the National Public Transportation Authority reveals the scope of the failure: during the first half of the year, a non-performance rate of approximately 5% was recorded on the company's lines, alongside cumulative fines totaling about 80 million shekels. Estimates indicate that out of roughly 400 buses in the tender, dozens of vehicles—between 50 and 80—are permanently out of service due to spare parts shortages and maintenance issues.
Ownership Challenges and Demands
Against the backdrop of operational collapse and reliance on contractor drivers—a practice prohibited by ministry guidelines—negotiations are underway for the company's sale. Company owners include Likud operative Itzik Kaufman, who holds a 51% stake through "China Motors", alongside the Shasha group and Maya Tour. Meanwhile, discussions are exploring a potential acquisition by the "Metropoline" bus company.
Municipal leaders warn that without severe sanctions and the cancellation of the current tender, passengers will continue to bear the cost. Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg called on Minister Miri Regev to intervene immediately and restore regular service. Kiryat Yearim Council Head Yitzhak Ravitz added that local authorities have run out of patience and demand an immediate new tender.
