Problems reported after Dan Lines launches bus changes

Passengers complain about magnetic ticket malfunctions; Dan CEO: Changes still being made, some old bus routes may have to be restored.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Jerusalem bus routes 311 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Jerusalem bus routes 311
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
A number of small hiccups were reported Friday morning as Dan Bus Lines launched a list of new bus routes and ticket fare changes. Passengers complained of bus delays and magnetic ticket malfunctions.
One passenger told Army Radio that she had been waiting for a bus for 40 minutes and was afraid she would be fired when she finally arrived at work. Another complained that since his magnetic card was rejected he could not get to and from work because he did not carry small change.
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Another passenger said that even though the card reader initially rejected his magnetic ticket, the driver swiped it a few more times and it worked in the end." Of course there are going to be some kinks in the new system, but it seems like a better system than the previous one. I think people should remember that there are more important things to complain about, like cottage cheese prices," one passenger said.
The Transportation Ministry said the problem affected buses only from the Dan company, and that it was being corrected.
Ministry officials said the problem arose after software in the ticket readers was updated.
Bus drivers were ordered to allow all passengers to come on board, even if their tickets did not work, to avoid delays in bus schedules.
In an interview with Army Radio Friday morning, Dan CEO Shaul Rafael addressed the confusion arising from the new bus routes, saying, "These things are not simple, this is not the end, there will be more changes. There will be some routes that we may need to restore, and we will do that."