TA to seek authorization for more Saturday minibus lines

The Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality said it will seek permission to expand options for public transportation on Shabbat, following a decision made on the issue by by city management on Tuesday. The city plans to ask the Transportation Ministry for the required authorization, it said in a statement.The proposed plan would add eight new private minibus lines connecting various parts of the city to beaches, hospitals and the city center. The municipality said that it does not want to challenge the status quo of Shabbat being a day of rest. Instead, it said, it is intended to provide transportation for residents who cannot afford private cars. The new lines would also service residents during the rest of the week.