New Transportation Initiatives for Reservists Amid Public Transport Shutdown
As the conflict in Lebanon escalates, reservists have faced significant challenges in reaching their military units due to the shutdown of public transportation during Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat. The Ministry of Transportation has insisted that public transport will not resume until a formal request is made by the Ministry of Defense. In response to these challenges, civil initiatives are stepping in to provide much-needed transportation for soldiers.
The Tel Aviv Municipality has announced that it will allocate buses from the Naim transportation system to transport both regular and reserve soldiers over the weekend. This initiative is set to operate from October 4th, with shuttles running from Savidor station to major hubs in Haifa and Be'er Sheva. Notably, these shuttles will also be available to the general public, although they may disrupt the regular Naim service that provides free transportation to residents in 12 cities.
The first buses are scheduled to depart on Friday evening, with additional services planned throughout Saturday. The Brothers in Arms Association has also launched a platform to connect reservists in need of rides with volunteer drivers, further enhancing the support network for soldiers during this critical time.
Government Accountability and Public Transport Crisis
While these initiatives aim to alleviate the transportation difficulties faced by reservists, they highlight a larger issue regarding the government's role in providing public transportation during emergencies. The Ministry of Transportation has shifted blame onto the Ministry of Defense, stating that it can only act upon specific requests for additional transportation services. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense has countered that public transport operations fall under the Ministry of Transportation's jurisdiction, urging it to conduct regular assessments of public needs during the ongoing conflict.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev has faced criticism for her lack of response to the transportation crisis, particularly as she has been seen abroad during this critical period. As reservists continue to struggle with transportation issues, the need for a comprehensive and responsive public transport system becomes increasingly evident, especially for those serving in the military.
