Briefs From Around the Globe

Israeli bus company compensated for attacks Israeli bus company Egged will receive $10 million in compensation from the Palestinian Authority for losses sustained as a result of the current Palestinian intifada. Egged is the victim of more than 50 attacks, at least 20 of which were suicide bombings, since the uprising began in September 2000, reported The Middle East Business Weekly. Ridership for the company declined 15% to 20%. Korean ministry to form safety committee Korea’s Ministry of Construction and Transportation is forming a nationwide transportation safety committee to institute safety and disaster prevention measures for the nation’s transit systems. The committee will coordinate and manage all public transportation disaster response. Government entities responsible for transportation safety are fragmented along the modes of transportation. The decision followed a subway fire in Daegu in February that killed about 120 people and injured about 140 others. Arson was believed to be the cause. East Africa to reform transportation system The government in East Africa is reforming the matatu (minibus) industry in urban areas and the transportation system in the whole country, reported the Daily Nation. New parking bays and local public transport vehicles will be introduced to ease congestion. Matatus and taxis will be painted in specific colors for easy identification, and ticketing will be streamlined for better security.