Dan Bus Company Hit with Heavy Fines for Gender Discrimination on Bnei Brak-Petah Tikva Route

Israel's Transportation Ministry has secured a landmark ruling against Dan Bus Company, resulting in tens of thousands of shekels in fines and compensation following an incident of gender segregation on public transportation. The case marks a significant enforcement action in the ministry's zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination on public transit.

The case stems from an incident that occurred three years ago in January 2023 on bus route 292, operating between Bnei Brak and Petah Tikva. A 76-year-old female passenger who boarded the bus was instructed by a route inspector to move to the rear of the bus, with the claim that it operated as a "mehadrin" (gender-segregated) bus. When she refused, offensive and discriminatory statements were made toward her, with the driver participating in the incident.

The Tel Aviv District Traffic Court ruled that the conduct violated human dignity and breached the obligation to provide equal service in public transportation. The criminal indictment was filed by the National Prosecutions Department of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety as part of a clear policy of zero tolerance toward gender segregation and discrimination in public transit.

The penalties handed down include:

- Dan Bus Company: Convicted and fined 40,000 shekels, plus 20,000 shekels in compensation to the passenger

- Route Inspector: Fined 6,000 shekels, ordered to pay 2,000 shekels in personal compensation, conditional suspension of driver's license, and a 50,000 shekel financial guarantee for three years

- Bus Driver: Convicted with a 2,500 shekel fine and a 15,000 shekel guarantee to refrain from similar violations for three years (his role in the incident was deemed minor)

The total penalties amount to approximately 62,000 shekels in direct fines and compensation.

According to a statement from the Transportation Ministry, headed by Minister Miri Regev, the ministry operates systematically to identify cases of passenger rights violations through both overt and covert enforcement, and does not hesitate to take legal action against public transportation operators and their employees.

Minister Regev stated: "I welcome the court ruling that comes as a direct result of the clear and determined policy of the Transportation Ministry. Gender segregation and discrimination in public transportation are a red line. We will act with all tools at our disposal, including field enforcement and legal proceedings, to ensure that every passenger receives equal, respectful, and safe service."

Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben Zaken added: "We operate proactively and in a focused manner to detect and eradicate improper phenomena in public transportation. The court's decision strengthens the ministry's enforcement and supervision policy and sends a clear message to operators and field workers: discrimination and exclusion will not be tolerated."

The ruling represents a significant precedent in Israel's ongoing efforts to maintain gender equality in public spaces. While some bus routes in religious neighborhoods have historically operated with informal gender separation arrangements, Israeli law mandates equal treatment and prohibits forced segregation on public transportation.

The case demonstrates the Transportation Ministry's commitment to active enforcement through criminal proceedings, signaling that companies and employees who violate anti-discrimination laws will face substantial financial and legal consequences.