Bus travel demand to surge ahead of the holiday

Birol Özcan, Chairman of the Turkish Bus Operators Federation (TOFED), announced that there is significant activity in bus services due to the Ramadan Feast and the 10-day school break that has begun. Özcan noted that in previous years, main bus services at the Grand Istanbul Bus Terminal would fill up rapidly during holiday periods, leading to the opening of additional services, and that a similar surge is expected this year.

HIGH DEMAND EXPECTED FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Reminding that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has authorized additional services until March 29, Özcan stated that the overlap of the holiday period and the school break will lead to high demand for these extra services as well.

DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF SERVICES AT THE TERMINAL

Özcan emphasized that the number of bus services at terminals has decreased significantly in recent times. Stating that the daily number of buses at the Istanbul Esenler Bus Terminal has dropped to around 700 in the last 2.5 months, Özcan said, "Previously, this number was around 1,500-1,800, and in earlier periods, it was over 2,000."

EXPECTED HOLIDAY SURGE

Noting that bus services increase during the holiday and school break, Özcan said, "We expect the number of daily bus services to reach 1,200, 1,300, or even 1,400 during the holiday. Occupancy rates for main services in Istanbul have increased ahead of the holiday. Currently, the occupancy rate for main services has reached the 90 percent level." He expressed his belief that this surge would bring vitality to the sector.

Birol Özcan stated that online ticket sales platforms are harming the sector. Noting that these platforms charge commissions between 12 and 15 percent, Özcan explained that approximately 130 liras of a 1,000-lira ticket is deducted as commission, which significantly reduces the revenue of the companies.

WORK UNDERWAY FOR AN ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM

Özcan stated that they are continuing their efforts to create an alternative system in the sector, noting that reducing commission rates to the 5 percent level would provide great relief for the companies.

Özcan noted that the rise in fuel prices, in particular, is putting pressure on the sector, and said that the requirement for buses to use the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul creates a significant cost for companies. Furthermore, he requested that buses be allowed to use the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge during nighttime hours.

IMM'S FREE SHUTTLE DECISION CRITICIZED

Stating that the free shuttle services to districts implemented by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) also create additional costs for companies, Özcan noted that services operated with very few passengers increase expenses. For this reason, Özcan added that they expect this practice to be abolished in line with the decision taken by the Istanbul Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME).