After years of demands for a fare reduction on the number 400
bus line from Bnei Brak to Jerusalem, Egged, Dan, and the
Transportation Ministry have taken an important step in the
right direction. From now on, the price of a one-way ticket
will be NIS 14.35, and a two ride ticket will cost NIS 28.70.
This price is lower than those of taxis and private mini-vans
(15 shekel one way). Many passengers, who prefer the comfort
and reliability of the bus but are tempted to travel by mini-
van because of their lower fare and frequency, are now more
likely to prefer bus service.
In accordance with the new arrangements, the six ride tickets
which were recently in effect will be canceled, since they
were of little benefit for most passengers.
As a result, it was decided to sell reduced tickets for two
rides. An additional advantage of the new arrangement is that
the ticket will be honored by both Egged and Dan without
having to exchange tickets in the event that a ticket is
purchased on an Egged bus and the passenger returns home on
Dan, or the opposite.
The new procedure took effect on Sunday, March 21, 1999.
However, in response to Yated Ne'eman's request, it
was decided that the offer of an ornate watch in exchange for
9 two-way tickets will continue as planned, until 31.3.99. As
a result, the two-way tickets will remain in effect until the
end of March and will cost 28.70 shekel.
Egged spokesman, Ron Ratner, has informed Yated
Ne'eman that in order to introduce the tickets into the
400 bus line, the ticket code has been changed from 13 to 12,
as if it were a municipal line.
This code enables selling tickets to those eligible for
reduced fares and to children at lower prices.
This time, the public transportation cooperatives as well as
the Transportation Ministry have proved that they are
accommodating to the chareidi community, and should be
commended for their efforts.
