Taxi shortage in Türkiye: Woman gives birth on Metrobus

A pregnant woman in Istanbul’s Esenyurt district gave birth on a Metrobus due to a taxi shortage in the city. She and her husband were unable to find a taxi to take them to the hospital.

The incident, which occurred at Cennet Neighborhood station, was captured by the vehicle’s internal camera.

Taxi shortage forces Metrobus driver to assist in unexpected birth

Around 9 a.m., Hanife Mete, who was 35 weeks pregnant, began experiencing labor pains. Together with her husband, Mete, she tried to hail a taxi to the hospital. However, after failing to find one, the couple boarded a Metrobus.

As Hanife’s contractions intensified, the Metrobus driver diverted the vehicle to a parking area at Cennet Neighborhood. Passengers were transferred to other vehicles, and with the help of her husband, Hanife gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

The couple decided to name him Yilmaz.

‘I was terrified something would happen to my wife and baby’

Cemal Mete, who works as a store clerk selling goods overseas in Laleli, described the experience as nerve-wracking.

“This is our fifth child. I was very scared that something would happen to my wife and baby,” he said. “Thankfully, everything went smoothly. The Metrobus was full when we got on in Avcilar, but the driver kindly stopped the vehicle and directed everyone to other buses. We waited for an ambulance, but the baby arrived before it could get there. It might be a first for a Metrobus. I tried calling several taxis and even reached out to a taxi stand, but they said none were available.”

The incident, which took place due to a taxi shortage, highlights the resourcefulness of both the driver and the passengers, who helped facilitate a safe and smooth delivery under unusual circumstances.

In addition, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu announced that the baby named Yilmaz, who was born on the Metrobus, will use public transportation free of charge for the rest of his life.