Billions in subsidies, minimal effect: Israelis are in no hurry to switch to buses

The Central Bureau of Statistics published data on bus usage in Israel for 2021–2025. In 2025, 780.9 million validations were recorded — a growth of only 1.4% compared to 2024. Despite billions in subsidies and the "Transportation Justice" reform, the pace of switching from private cars to public transport remains low. The most noticeable increase was among elderly passengers who received free travel.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) published on Wednesday, August 19, data on public transport usage in Israel for 2021–2025. According to the report, in 2025, 780.9 million validations were recorded on regular bus routes — a growth of only 1.4% compared to 769.8 million in 2024. Despite billions of shekels allocated by the state for subsidies and the "Transportation Justice" reform aimed at reducing travel costs, the pace of Israelis switching from private cars to public transport remains low. The majority of trips (82.4%) are on urban routes. Jerusalem leads in bus usage with 171.4 million trips per year. The most notable increase was among elderly passengers: in 2023, they accounted for 94 million validations, and in 2025, already 110 million. This is linked to the reform that provided free travel for Israelis over 67. The data was published amid a debate about the future of public transport, which still struggles to compete with private cars.