Transport Ministry demands to take over Natsba's central bus stations

The Public Transportation Authority demands that the state take control of Natsba's central bus stations, alleging deliberate neglect and abuse of monopoly power. The move aims to reduce dependence on a private company and transfer management to the government-owned Ayalon Highways Company, using Section 16B of the Traffic Ordinance.

The Public Transportation Authority, headed by Idan Mualem, demands that the state take control of the central bus stations owned by Natsba. The move comes amid an ongoing conflict: Natsba has filed a series of lawsuits against the state, and according to the authority, is deliberately neglecting the stations and parking lots under its responsibility, even demanding to evacuate some of them. Natsba holds 17 central bus stations nationwide and nine parking lots and garages covering about 300 dunams, providing parking for approximately 2,300 buses—about 22% of the bus fleet. The stations are located in attractive city-center locations, some with no planning alternative. The authority plans to transfer management of the stations to the government-owned Ayalon Highways Company, using Section 16B of the Traffic Ordinance, which requires Natsba to continue leasing essential structures. The conflict spans all 17 transportation centers: in Tel Aviv, Natsba demands about 100 million shekels in property tax refunds; in Tiberias, a claim for about 10 million shekels; in Kfar Saba, about 30 million shekels; and in Nahariya, 18 million shekels. In Jerusalem, Natsba tried to evacuate the station and demanded a doubling of compensation. The authority claims Natsba refuses to allow public transportation companies other than Egged to use the parking lots, harming competition. Natsba's revenues from transportation operators stand at about 160 million shekels per year. The pilot will begin in Ashdod, and the transfer of management for the first six stations is expected in the first quarter of 2027. Natsba responded that the allegations are baffling, and that the Transportation Ministry has been delaying taking over management for a year and a half.