Petition addressed to: Knesset, Ministry of Transportation (Misrad HaTachbura), Bus Companies (Egged, Dan, Metropoline, Kavim, Superbus, etc.), City Councils

Petition to Israel’s Bus Companies: Stop Unfair Fines and Show Compassion to Riders
Introduction
Public transportation should be a service that unites and supports the people of Israel. Instead, too many riders — including students, elderly citizens, immigrants, and working families — are facing harsh and unfair fines for small mistakes, such as forgetting to validate a ticket or technical issues with the app. Rather than offering a warning or compassionate guidance, inspectors often issue immediate fines that create unnecessary financial and emotional stress.
Why This Matters

• Unfair Burden on Citizens: A single forgotten validation can cost hundreds of shekels, far beyond the value of the ride itself.
• No Second Chances: Riders are punished without the opportunity for correction or explanation.
• Disproportionate Punishment: These fines affect the most vulnerable — the poor, new immigrants, students, and elderly.
• Public Distrust: This practice damages trust between bus companies and the public they are meant to serve.

Our Proposal
We call on Israel’s transportation authorities and bus companies to implement the following changes:

1. Warning System First: Provide a warning or small administrative fee for first-time or minor offenses instead of an automatic fine.
2. Day of Grace: On fast days or national days of reflection, allow a day of leniency and compassion — reducing stress and conflict.
3. Fair Appeals Process: Create a transparent, easy way for riders to dispute unjust fines.
4. Compassionate Training for Inspectors: Train staff to guide, educate, and support riders — not intimidate or punish them.
5. Public Accountability: Release data on fines issued, appeals won, and changes made, so citizens can trust the system.

Our Vision
Israel faces many external threats. The last thing we need is to punish each other over bus tickets. By reforming this system, we can create a culture of compassion, fairness, and dignity on our buses — a reflection of the values our nation was built upon.
Call to Action
We, the undersigned, call on the Ministry of Transportation and Israel’s bus companies to implement these reforms immediately. Together, let’s ensure that public transportation in Israel is fair, compassionate, and just for all.