Economy in Turkey: 35 Percent Increase in Public Transportation Fares in Istanbul

In a recent development, public transportation fares in Istanbul have increased by 35%. The full electronic ticket fare has risen from 20 Turkish Liras to 27, while the student fare has increased from 9.76 to 13.18 Turkish Liras. School shuttle fees have also seen significant hikes, with prices for distances between 0-1 kilometer rising to 2,605 TL, and the taxi starting fare increasing to 42 TL. The “indi-bindi” (get-in-get-out) taxi fare now costs 135 TL.

This decision was made during the Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) meeting, which took place under the leadership of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Deputy Secretary General Gürkan Akgün at the Çırpıcı Social Facilities.

The meeting focused on the proposal to increase the fares for various public transport services, including buses, rail systems, taxis, and school and staff shuttles. The proposal was approved by a majority vote.

As part of the approved plan, fares for IETT buses, rail systems, tunnels, nostalgic trams, private public buses, Ulaşım AŞ, TCDD Taşımacılık AŞ, as well as the Halkalı-Bahçeşehir and Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme rail lines, will increase by 35%.

New Fare Structure:

• Full electronic ticket: 20 TL to 27 TL
• Student ticket: 9.76 TL to 13.18 TL
• Discounted tickets: 14.32 TL to 19.33 TL
• Full Mavi Kart (monthly) fare: 1,570 TL to 2,120 TL
• Student Mavi Kart (monthly) fare: 282 TL to 381 TL
• Full metrobüs fare: 29.69 TL to 40.08 TL
• Marmaray full fare: 44.27 TL to 59.76 TL

Taxi Fare Increases:

• Starting fare: 30 TL to 42 TL (+40%)
• Distance fare (per kilometer): 20 TL to 28 TL (+40%)
• Hourly rate: 235 TL to 350 TL (+48.9%)
• “Indi-bindi” fare: 100 TL to 135 TL (+35%)

School Shuttle Fee Increases:

• 0-1 kilometer: 1,931.40 TL to 2,605 TL (+35%)
• Staff shuttle fare: 1,004 TL to 1,355 TL

Minibus Fare Increases:

• 0-4 kilometers: 18 TL to 25 TL (+38%)
• 4-7 kilometers: 19 TL to 26 TL
• 7-11 kilometers: 20 TL to 27 TL
• 11-15 kilometers: 21 TL to 28 TL
• 15-20 kilometers: 22.5 TL to 30 TL
• Student fare: 12 TL to 16 TL (+33%)

The new fares are expected to take effect on January 18, 2025.

Previously, a proposal for a 46% fare increase had been rejected by the UKOME meeting, with opposition from the Ministry of Transport’s representative, Serdar Yücel. Taxi drivers had requested a 60% fare increase.