Public transit users? You may be entitled to a refund from the state

The Ministry of Transport announced that this coming Sunday (August 16) a refund operation will begin for public transit passengers who held period passes during the 'Roar of the Lion' war, when transit service was reduced. The refund is intended for holders of 'Hofshi Hodeshi' and for holders of an annual or second-semester student pass in the 2025/2026 academic year. The amount is determined by the number of days service was unavailable, and can be claimed until December 31, 2026, in several ways, including loading 'stored value' at 70% of the days' value.

The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety announced today (Thursday) that this coming Sunday, August 16, a refund operation will begin for public transit passengers who held period passes during the 'Roar of the Lion' war, when public transit service was significantly reduced. The refund is intended for holders of a 'Hofshi Hodeshi' pass who were unable to use it during this period, as well as for holders of an annual or second-semester student pass in the 2025/2026 academic year. The refund amount is determined by the number of days service was unavailable and is calculated automatically when the Rav-Kav card is linked to one of the options. The refund can be claimed until December 31, 2026, in several ways: loading 'Hofshi Yomi' for the appropriate number of days, a discount on purchasing 'Hofshi Hodeshi', or loading 'stored value' at 70% of the days' value. For student pass holders, similar options are offered, including a discount on purchasing a pass for the next academic year. Transport Minister Miri Regev emphasized the ministry's commitment to return to the public the value for the service not used, and the ministry's director general Moshe Ben Zaken noted that the mechanism will identify eligibility via the Rav-Kav card.