Following the ongoing transportation crisis and recent strike, local authorities plan to petition for the cancellation of Tnufa's operating tender.

The mayors of Beit Shemesh, Ariel, Alfei Menashe, and Emanuel announced last night the launch of a joint campaign against public transportation operator Tnufa, following the ongoing transportation crisis and the drivers' strike that disrupted service for thousands of passengers across the region.

The local leaders- Shmuel Greenberg (Beit Shemesh), Yair Shtabon (Ariel), Shay Rosenzweig (Alfei Menashe), and Eliyahu Gafni (Emanuel) -said that after nearly two years of discussions, negotiations, and efforts with all relevant authorities to help stabilize the company's operations, they have concluded that Tnufa is unable to meet the requirements of its operating contract or provide the level of service the public deserves.

In a joint statement, the municipalities announced that they will soon file a petition calling for the cancellation of Tnufa's operating tender and the appointment of alternative operators to provide reliable and consistent public transportation services in the region.

Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg addressed the drivers' strike in the city, saying that Tnufa has once again demonstrated its inability to provide residents with dependable public transportation.

"Unfortunately, at the very beginning of the summer vacation and Bein Hazmanim, our residents have once again become hostages in a dispute that is not theirs. This is a serious blow to the freedom of movement of tens of thousands of residents at a time when families, children, and teenagers rely on public transportation more than ever," Greenberg said.

The mayor added that he is calling on the Ministry of Transport to intervene immediately, summon the company's management, and take all necessary steps to restore regular service. He stressed that the Beit Shemesh Municipality will continue using every tool at its disposal, including demanding the replacement of the current operator, until residents receive the public transportation service they deserve.

Ariel Mayor Yair Shtabon said the collapse of service during the morning hours severely affected soldiers, employees, and students, placing responsibility on the Ministry of Transport in its role as regulator. "Our residents will not be held hostage," he said, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev to use their authority to bring the crisis to an immediate end.

The other local leaders concluded their joint statement by urging the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport to intervene without delay. "The time for patience is over," they said. "We are launching a determined campaign that will continue until public transportation services are restored to the standard our residents deserve."