Approval for digital taxis from IMM Assembly: Tender for 2,500 taxis is coming

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Assembly has unanimously decided to hold a tender for the licensing and operation of 2,500 application-based taxis for a period of 29 years, following a regulation revised in line with a court ruling resulting from a lawsuit filed by the Istanbul Chamber of Taxi Drivers. The taxis will provide service exclusively through the application.

CHAMBER OF TAXI DRIVERS FILED A LAWSUIT

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) had planned to hold the first stage of the tender for 2,500 new taxi plates on February 18, 2025, to expand taxi services in Istanbul. However, a stay of execution was issued following a lawsuit filed by the Istanbul Chamber of Taxi Drivers.

The tender decision was updated in accordance with the court's stay of execution order following the lawsuit and was brought back to the assembly's agenda. The court had suspended the execution of certain provisions but ruled that parts not contradicting the law could be implemented.

WILL PROVIDE SERVICE ONLY VIA APPLICATION

The decision, previously taken by the Istanbul Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) and submitted to the assembly, aims to license the new 2,500-taxi system on a long-term basis and contribute to digitalization in transportation. It is anticipated that these application-based taxis will provide advantages in terms of technology-supported service quality and oversight.

The new regulation is expected to both increase the supply of taxis in Istanbul and ensure that citizens receive more controlled and efficient transportation services through digital applications. The tender is planned to be held in the coming months.