Public transportation fares in Istanbul increased by 35 pct

In Istanbul, public transportation fares have been increased by 35 percent with a decision by the municipality’s transportation center.

Thursday January 16 2025 01:42 pm

Duvar English

The Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, run by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), on Jan. 15 increased public transportation prices by 35 percent.

Accordingly, the full ticket increased from 20 liras to 27 Turkish liras, the student ticket from 9.76 liras to 13.17 liras, and from 14.32 liras to 19.33 liras for teachers and those above 60-year old (social).

The Blue Card, which allows using public transport for one month, increased from 1,570 liras to 2,118 liras for full-fare and from 282 liras to 381 liras for students.

Metrobus fare increased from 29.68 liras to 40.07 liras for full-fare, from 9.76 liras to 13.17 liras for students, and from 16.28 liras to 21.97 liras for social, if all stops are used in one boarding.

Meanwhile, the opening fee for taxis was set at 42 liras and the short-distance fee at 135 liras.

In a previous meeting of the UKOME, the municipality’s 46 percent hike demand was rejected by the Transportation Ministry. The municipality argued that the 35 percent increase “represents a sacrifice.”

In 2024, the government-run Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) reported an annual inflation rate of 44.38, whereas the independent inflation group ENAG put the figure at 83.40 percent.

The minimum wage, on the other hand, was increased by only 30 percent.