Public transport fare hike proposal rejected at UKOME!

The proposal to increase public transport fares by 21.29 percent was rejected at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) meeting. This decision stands out as a significant development for public transport users in Istanbul.

The UKOME meeting was held at the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) building in Eyüpsultan, chaired by IMM Secretary General Volkan Demir.

During the meeting, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality proposed a 21.29 percent increase for public transport vehicles, as well as taxi, school bus, and personnel shuttle fares.

In line with this, it was proposed to increase the full electronic ticket fare from 27 Turkish Lira to 32.75 Turkish Lira, while the full-route fare for Marmaray was planned to be raised from 59.76 Turkish Lira to 72.49 Turkish Lira.

163.74 LIRA PROPOSED AS SHORT-DISTANCE TAXI FARE

For taxis, it was requested that the taximeter opening fee be increased from 42 Turkish Lira to 50.94 Turkish Lira. Additionally, it was proposed that the distance fee per kilometer be raised from 28 Turkish Lira to 33.96 Turkish Lira, and the hourly time tariff from 350 Turkish Lira to 424.51 Turkish Lira. For the short-distance fare, it was requested that the current amount of 135 Turkish Lira be increased to 163.74 Turkish Lira.

DEMAND FOR INCREASE IN FERRY SERVICES 

A fare increase for certain maritime transport lines was also on the agenda. In this context, it was proposed to raise the ticket fare for the Üsküdar-Eminönü line from 34.20 Turkish Lira to 41.48 Turkish Lira, and the fares for the Kadıköy-Eminönü and Kadıköy-Beşiktaş lines from 38.11 Turkish Lira to 46.22 Turkish Lira. For the Bostancı-Adalar line, it was requested that the ticket price be increased from 100.45 Turkish Lira to 121.84 Turkish Lira.

"THE HIKE PHENOMENON HAS TURNED INTO A BAD HABIT"

Speaking at the UKOME meeting, Yücel recalled that although the fare increase rate was calculated at 15.3 percent according to the formula during the January adjustment, a one-time 35 percent increase was implemented citing economic conditions. However, he stated that this situation has turned into a negative habit over time.

Yücel said, "Our stance is clear; we do not find it appropriate for a public transport fare hike to be on the agenda. As the Ministry, we believe that a new hike is not suitable under current conditions."

"THE HIKE PROPOSAL WAS REJECTED BY MAJORITY VOTE"

Following the discussions, the vote was held, and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's (IMM) proposal for a 21.29 percent increase in transport fares was rejected by a majority vote.

Public transport fares in Istanbul were last increased by 35 percent on January 15.