Trains to resume full operations on June 8 - Inside Israel

Trans. Min. Regev and Health Min. Edelstein agree: Buses, minibuses to expand number of passengers allowed to board.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev (Likud) and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein (Likud) on Sunday reached an agreement under which trains will resume operating according to the pre-lockdown schedule on June 8.

The agreement also stipulated that beginning on May 28, intercity buses will be allowed to travel with a 75% capacity, so that other than the row behind the driver, any seat on the bus may be occupied. However, standing passengers will not be permitted.

City buses will allow up to 49 passengers to board, instead of the 20 passengers allowed until now, and "long" buses will be allowed to have up to 75 passengers instead of 30. Passengers will be allowed to travel standing.

Minibuses and shared taxis will be allowed to travel with up to 75% capacity, and private taxis will be allowed to accept up two two passengers in the back seat, even for people who do not need a personal caregiver.

"I am happy with the agreement with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein regarding the expansion of public transportation services in Israel," Regevf said. "This is the news which Israeli citizens were waiting for. I call on the public to help us, to take responsibility, and to act in accordance with Health Ministry guidelines. I invite the public to send questions to the Transportation and Road Safety Ministry site and the Ministry's other digital platforms."

"The cooperation with Transportation Minister Miri Regev is important," Edelstein said. "Already last week, we were in the middle of reopening the economy, for the good of the public and the businesses. But the next steps depend on each and every one of you - and whether you keep the Health Ministry guidelines. Without strict adherence to the guidelines, coronavirus may come back, and with it the closure of the economy."

Last week, the two ministers lifted the limit on the number of passengers boarding buses during rush hour.