New citizen-run bus line to serve Holon residents on Shabbat

The "Shabus" cooperative on Wednesday announced it was launching its new route to begin operating this coming Saturday. Most bus lines across Israel do not operate on Saturday in observance of the Jewish Sabbath. With a handful of exceptions, bus lines generally cease operating Friday afternoon and resume service late Saturday night or Sunday morning, and similarly suspend service on Jewish holidays.

Many secular Israelis argue that it is unfair to impose religious restrictions on public transportation. It is this sentiment that prompted the establishment of Shabus -- a social collective that offers members transportation at times when public transportation isn't available.

The new Shabus line aims to connect the residents of Holon, a town adjacent to Tel Aviv, to key Tel Aviv destinations such as beaches, Rothschild Boulevard, Allenby Street, the Florentin neighborhood and the central bus station. The line will also operate in the opposite direction, transporting passengers to the Cinema City complex in Rishon Lezion.

The citizen-run bus collective offers affordable rides on Friday nights, Saturdays and Jewish holidays, providing access to a selection of Shabbat activities to thousands of residents living in central Israel.

The bus will operate on a weekly basis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and during its first month of operation, Shabus is offering a reduced fare of only 5.90 shekels ($1.69), similar to the price of a public bus ticket. The service is only available to members who pay a nominal yearly membership fee.

Bar Shai, the director of Shabus Holon, said, "Our Headstart campaign proved that the residents of Holon want and need transportation on Shabbat."

Itay Zilber, Holon City Council member from the Young Holon party added, "We are very pleased about the cooperation with Shabus."

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