Major price hike in Istanbul metro, metrobus, ferry fees
A metrobus traveling along a dedicated bus lane in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality agreed on a 35% increase in public transportation fares, affecting buses, metrobuses, metros, trams, minibusses, taxis and ferries across the city.
The new tariff was announced on Wednesday following the second Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) meeting, with approval from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry.
New fares, set to come into effect on Jan. 20, include the following adjustments to bus fares:
- Standard ticket: ₺27 ($0.76)
- Student: ₺13.17
- Teacher and 60+: ₺19.33
- Student monthly subscription: ₺381.37
- Standard monthly subscription: ₺2,118
- Marmaray standard ticket: ₺59.76
- Metrobus standard ticket: ₺40.07
- Metrobus teacher and 60+: ₺21.97
- Metrobus student: ₺13.17
Meanwhile, the taxi meter opening fee has been raised by 40%, increasing from ₺30 to ₺42. Additionally, the per-distance rate has also seen a 40% hike, with the short-distance taxi fare rising from ₺100 to ₺135—a 35% increase.
The base fare for minibusses has increased from ₺18 to ₺25 due to recent fare adjustments.
First meeting ended without consensus
On Jan. 6, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality proposed a 46.09% fare hike for public vehicles, including taxis and school and staff shuttle services, during a meeting to discuss fare adjustments. However, the proposal was rejected by a majority vote, particularly by representatives from the transportation ministry.
In Istanbul, transportation fares are determined by the UKOME, a governing body responsible for regulating public transportation policies and pricing.
UKOME comprises representatives from various stakeholders, including the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, and other relevant institutions. The decision-making process involves thorough discussions and voting on proposals submitted by the municipality or other members.
Proposals for fare adjustments consider factors such as inflation, fuel prices, operational costs, and economic conditions. These proposals are debated during UKOME meetings, where each representative has a vote. For a fare change to be implemented, it must receive majority approval.
