Photo: Shutterstock The Ministry of Transport, through the National Public Transport Authority, has launched a new plan to encourage the training of new bus drivers as part of a comprehensive policy to strengthen the drivers' position and address the growing shortage in the sector.
The plan includes financial incentives for public transport companies for the recruitment, training, and employment of new drivers, such as training grants and retention bonuses, as part of an effort to improve passenger service by bolstering the current driver workforce.
In recent years, the Ministry of Transport has taken a series of steps to improve working conditions for drivers, amid a rise in incidents of violence against them. These steps include installing protective screens in new buses, deploying cameras and emergency buttons, and conducting campaigns to raise awareness of the driver's importance in the public transportation system.
Additionally, in recent years, drivers' wages have been increased by 11%, a paid training period has been added, and dozens of refreshment and rest stations have been established across the country. Ministry representatives and the National Public Transport Authority continue to engage in ongoing discussions with drivers and transport operators to promote additional solutions for improving working conditions and training.
"Alongside unprecedented investment in establishing advanced mass transit systems and implementing innovative technologies, the bus network remains a central and essential component of the public transport solutions framework, providing extensive and complex services to every settlement in Israel," noted the Minister of Transport, Miri Regev, adding: "Bus drivers are the beating heart of the system, and in recent years, we have placed special emphasis on improving their conditions and security, from installing protective screens to raising salaries. The new plan aims to encourage quality drivers to join the field and provide them with job security, recognizing that the driver is the vital component enabling us to provide accessible and safe public transportation for every citizen. Our vision is simple: if the drivers are satisfied and secure, the passengers will also be satisfied and secure."
The Director-General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben Zaken, concluded: "Under Minister Miri Regev's leadership, the Ministry of Transport views drivers as key partners in the success of the public transportation system. We are working on several levels simultaneously, including infrastructure improvement and the establishment of new stations that serve as sophisticated transport hubs connecting various modes of transportation, upgrading the bus fleet, and accelerating the transition to electric propulsion - alongside all these, strengthening human capital. Through the new plan and the numerous steps we have taken in recent years, we will ensure the continued growth of public transport and improved service for passengers throughout the country."