In Israel, they propose to exempt pensioners from the need to 'validate' their bus ride

Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Meital Lehavi has called on Transportation Minister Miri Regev to exempt pensioners from having to validate their travel card on buses. Lehavi cites the risk of falls, especially in electric buses. Gertner Institute data: 1,520 hospitalizations over a decade, 11% severe injuries, seven fatalities.

Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Meital Lehavi, who oversees transportation, has appealed to Transportation Minister Miri Regev to exempt pensioners from validating their travel card when boarding a bus. Lehavi explains that for people aged 67 and older, travel is free, so the requirement to validate the 'rav-kav' card is unnecessary and dangerous: elderly passengers may trip, lose their balance, and fall. The risk has increased with the introduction of electric buses, which have stronger and faster acceleration. According to the Gertner Institute at the Sheba Medical Center, over the past decade (until December 2025), 1,520 people were hospitalized due to falls on buses, 11% of whom suffered severe injuries, and seven died. Approximately 150 fallen passengers receive assistance each month, 68% of those hospitalized are over 60, and 73% of them are women. No response has yet been received from the Ministry of Transportation.