Bus companies reduce services due to high costs

Price balances in intercity passenger transport have begun to shift. On some main routes, bus tickets are approaching the same level as air travel, while on other routes, air travel is offered at lower prices. While plane tickets on the Istanbul–Bodrum route start at 850 TL, bus tickets on the same route are sold starting from 1,200 TL.

THE SECTOR ENTERED 2025 UNDER FINANCIAL PRESSURE

According to the report by Songül Dalgıç Bilgili from Nefes, Birol Özcan, President of the Turkish Bus Operators Federation (TOFED), stated that road passenger transport is facing serious cost pressures as of 2025. He expressed that high inflation and the increase in basic expenses have made the sector's operating conditions difficult.

EXPENSES INCREASED, COULD NOT BE REFLECTED IN TICKETS

Özcan stated that the costs that increased throughout the year could not be sufficiently reflected in ticket prices, noting that the rise in depreciation, spare parts, personnel, and insurance expenses in particular has negatively affected the financial structure of the companies.

THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES ABOVE 500 HAS DROPPED TO THE 300S

Stating that the number of main companies holding D1 and B1 authorization certificates across Turkey has declined significantly in the last five years, Özcan said that the number of companies, which was over 500, has fallen to the 300s. He stated that some local companies have withdrawn from the sector, while others have come under the umbrella of major brands.

FUEL COSTS HAVE BECOME THE DETERMINING FACTOR

Stating that fuel accounts for approximately 60 percent of sector expenses, Özcan expressed that fuel price increases experienced since 2020 have far exceeded ticket prices. He reminded that although bus transport has the nature of a public service, no special privileges are applied to fuel prices.

NUMBER OF SERVICES IS FALLING, BUSES ARE WAITING

Stating that the early booking and flexible pricing practices of airline companies have caused a loss of passengers, Özcan said that this situation has increased service cancellations. He shared the information that while 1,800–2,000 buses were departing daily from major bus terminals in Istanbul before the pandemic, this number has now fallen to the 800 level.

YHT LINES INCREASED PASSENGER LOSS

Stating that the number of bus passengers has decreased by 35–40 percent on the Ankara–Istanbul, Ankara–Sivas, and Konya routes where high-speed train (YHT) lines are active, Özcan reported that services with an occupancy rate of less than 50 percent are being merged or cancelled.

REGULATORY DEMANDS FOR THE SECTOR

Emphasizing that the floor price application must be maintained to prevent destructive competition in the sector, Özcan drew attention to the importance of reducing the VAT rate, applying special tariffs for bridge and highway tolls, and providing fuel support for commercial transport.

News Source: 12punto