Yisrael Katz
Yisrael KatzOhad Zwigenberg/Flash90

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) announced an amendment to Israel's public transportation policy, allowing students studying in Israel's special education institutions to enjoy discounted public transportation up to age 21.

Israeli children ages 0-5 travel free on Israeli public transportation, and those ages 5-18 enjoy a 50% discount. However, the 50% discount given to children in special education lasts until they reach 21 years of age.

According to haredi MK Uri Maklev (UTJ), parents of special needs children are often unaware of this right.

Responding to Maklev, Katz said, "In order to obtain the discount, parents should bring proof of their child's enrollment in a special ed school and the child's 'Rav Kav' card to their local Rav Kav office."

A Rav Kav card is a personal or anonymous card which allows the holder to board buses and trains around Israel. Both personal and anonymous cards can be loaded with 30, 50, or 100 shekels to be used indefinitely until the money runs out. However, only a personal card can be loaded with a daily, weekly, or monthly pass.

Katz also said that in the future, a flexible 30-day pass will be available. Monthly passes are valid only during a specific calendar month, and must be purchased by the eighth of each month.

"This option will make the lives of Israel's haredi and religious communities easier," Maklev said. When the yeshivas have a long holiday which does not correspond exactly to the Gregorian months, students will be able to purchase a 30-day pass which serves their needs."