Taxi drivers' fare hike demand in Istanbul revealed: How much will the short-distance fare be?

With the approach of the new year, expectations for increases in transportation, as well as passport, driver's license, family registry, alcohol, tobacco, and bridge and highway toll fees, have begun to be discussed. Potential hikes in transportation tariffs, in particular, are drawing public attention.

In this context, a statement regarding a new fare regulation has also come from the taxi drivers' side.

Eyüp Aksu, President of the Istanbul Taxi Drivers' Chamber of Tradesmen, announced that they have made an official application for a hike in taxi tariffs.

“HIKE DEMAND SUBMITTED TO OFFICIAL AUTHORITIES”

Eyüp Aksu made the following remarks in his assessment regarding the hike demand:

“We have submitted our hike demand to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council and the Public Transportation Services Directorate. We also provided our income-expenditure calculations, but we did not discuss a specific rate. In terms of sustainability; we made a hike demand by taking into account inflation, the minimum wage, and income-expenditure calculations. Our demand for a hike is at least 30 percent. Our expectations are higher, but a hike of at least 30 percent is possible.”

CURRENT TAXI TARIFF IN ISTANBUL

According to the last regulation made in September 2025, the taxi meter opening fee in Istanbul is applied as 54.50 TL, while the per-kilometer fee is at the level of 36.30 TL. The hourly time tariff is 453.71 TL, and the short-distance fare, known as the 'indi-bindi' fee, is currently in effect at 175 TL.

FIGURES AFTER A POTENTIAL HIKE

If the requested increase is accepted, it is projected that the taxi meter opening fee will rise to 70.85 TL, and the short-distance fare will increase to the level of 227.50 TL.