Erdoğan signs holiday circular: 'Bridges, highways, and public transport will be free during the holiday'

The decision regarding the Eid al-Adha holiday, awaited by millions of citizens, has been published in the Official Gazette. With the signature of President Erdoğan, state-owned highways, bridges, and urban rail systems have been declared free of charge. However, roads with multi-billion lira toll guarantees will continue to burn a hole in citizens' pockets.

The official decision, which closely concerns citizens making travel plans and those who will use urban transport ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, has entered into force. According to the decision published with the signature of President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, state-owned highways, bridges, and many major public transport networks will provide service free of charge throughout the holiday.

Bridges and highways open on May 26: The scope of the exemption has been clarified!

The schedule for exemptions under the General Directorate of Highways (KGM) for drivers traveling has been clarified. According to the details in the Official Gazette, starting from 00:00 on Tuesday, May 26, until 24:00 on Saturday, May 30, no tolls will be charged for state-owned highways and the Bosphorus (July 15 Martyrs) and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges.

However, as in every holiday, multi-billion lira projects transferred to private companies have been excluded. With the phrase "excluding build-operate-transfer projects" included in the decision, citizens who use bridges and highways under private operation, such as the Osmangazi and Çanakkale bridges, will continue to pay exorbitant fees during the holiday.

Urban rail systems and municipal buses free on May 27

The public transport schedule has also been determined for citizens who will make urban visits to relatives and holiday visits. Transport networks belonging to the state and municipalities, primarily in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, will open their doors free of charge from 00:00 on Wednesday, May 27, until 24:00 on Saturday, May 30.

In this context, no fees will be charged for services on the Marmaray, Başkentray, İZBAN, Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Rail System Line, and the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutköy Metro Line. Similarly, public transport services such as buses, subways, and metrobuses operated by municipalities and their affiliated unions, institutions, and enterprises will also provide free service to citizens throughout the holiday.

News Source: 12punto