Bill · 25th Knesset
Allow a local authority to run public transport on Shabbat after a residents' survey, without requiring drivers to work on their day of rest. An intercity line would require the consent of the authorities concerned.
Public Transportation Operation on Shabbat Bill, 5783-2023 · plenum vote 19 Nov 2025
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AI summary
This bill seeks to allow the operation of public transportation services on Shabbat. The proposal stipulates that a local authority shall be permitted to operate public transportation services within its jurisdiction on Shabbat. In addition, a local authority will be able to operate public transportation services on Friday night, until the onset of Shabbat. The operation of these services will be permitted only if drivers are not employed on Shabbat, which is their weekly day of rest. The scope and deployment of these services will be determined by the local authority council, in accordance with a survey conducted among residents and their distribution by neighborhood. Holders of a license to operate a service line, the Israel Railways operator, as well as intercity buses, will be able to operate their services on Shabbat between population centers, entertainment, leisure, and cultural sites, as well as between these sites and residential areas, subject to the consent of the relevant local authorities. The Minister of Transport, with the approval of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee, shall establish regulations regarding the operation of intercity bus lines on Shabbat. Payment for public transportation services on Shabbat shall be made via magnetic card only. The proposal is intended to provide a solution for residents who do not own a private vehicle, and to allow them to travel on the weekly day of rest, similar to those who own a private vehicle whose movement is not restricted.
Summaries and source
AI summary
This bill seeks to allow the operation of public transportation services on Shabbat. The proposal stipulates that a local authority shall be permitted to operate public transportation services within its jurisdiction on Shabbat. In addition, a local authority will be able to operate public transportation services on Friday night, until the onset of Shabbat. The operation of these services will be permitted only if drivers are not employed on Shabbat, which is their weekly day of rest. The scope and deployment of these services will be determined by the local authority council, in accordance with a survey conducted among residents and their distribution by neighborhood. Holders of a license to operate a service line, the Israel Railways operator, as well as intercity buses, will be able to operate their services on Shabbat between population centers, entertainment, leisure, and cultural sites, as well as between these sites and residential areas, subject to the consent of the relevant local authorities. The Minister of Transport, with the approval of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee, shall establish regulations regarding the operation of intercity bus lines on Shabbat. Payment for public transportation services on Shabbat shall be made via magnetic card only. The proposal is intended to provide a solution for residents who do not own a private vehicle, and to allow them to travel on the weekly day of rest, similar to those who own a private vehicle whose movement is not restricted.