3.5 million to travel by bus during Ramadan holiday in Türkiye

As the Ramadan holiday approaches, held between March 30 and April 2 in Türkiye, there has already been an increase in inter-city bus services. During the holiday, around 8,500 buses will operate daily, with an estimated 3.5 million passengers traveling by bus.

For those planning to spend the Ramadan holiday with their families, many have already started reserving their seats on buses. With the holiday period coinciding with the school break, the demand for intercity bus travel has surged.

According to Mustafa Yildirim, President of the Federation of All Bus Operators, the increased bus activity will begin on March 27 as people begin their travels to celebrate the holiday.

He noted, “We expect 8,500 buses to carry passengers every day during the Ramadan Holiday, with an estimated 3.5 million people traveling by bus.”

Fully booked buses for normal routes

Yildirim, who also serves as the President of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) Highway Passenger Transport Sector Council, provided additional details regarding the bus services.

He pointed out that the 2024-2025 school year’s midterm break overlaps with the Ramadan holiday, which spans nine days.

“Starting from the middle of this week, we will see a heavy demand for bus services because of the Ramadan Bayramı holiday. Tickets for regular services are already running out,” Yildirim explained.

The bus services are expected to become particularly busy from March 27 onward, with heavy traffic anticipated during the return journey on April 6-7. If needed, bus companies will request permission from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to use tourism vehicles for passenger transportation.

Currently, there are approximately 8,000 bus services running daily across Türkiye. However, during the holiday period, this number will rise to around 8,500 buses per day. Over the nine days of the holiday, it is expected that 3.5 million people will travel by bus. Yildirim emphasized that, while this level of demand is significant, the industry is well-prepared to handle it.

Safety tips for drivers, passengers

Given the expected congestion on the roads, Yildirim urged everyone traveling during the holiday to exercise caution. He particularly highlighted the importance of bus drivers remaining alert and vigilant while on the road.

“There have been instances of bus accidents in the past,” he remarked, noting that many of these accidents could have been avoided by ensuring that drivers are well-rested and that vehicles are properly maintained.

Yildirim also advised passengers to always wear their seat belts, as it is both a legal requirement and a critical safety measure.

“It is a legal obligation to wear a seat belt, and it is essential for ensuring safety during travel,” he said.

No price surges for bus tickets

Yildirim assured the public that there would be no price increases for bus tickets during the Ramadan holiday period. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure will enforce a base fare pricing system to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and consistent across the industry.

As millions of people hit the road this Ramadan holiday, authorities and bus operators are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers.