Approved by majority vote of People's Alliance members: Up to 25 percent hike in public transport

Public transport fares in Bursa have been increased by up to 25 percent. The joint report of the Plan and Budget Commission and the Transportation Commission was discussed at the second session of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Council on September 15, 2026.

The report was approved by the majority vote of the People's Alliance members, despite the opposing votes of the New Party council members. With the new tariff, the full fare on BursaRay was increased from 40 liras to 50 liras, and the student fare from 10 liras to 12.50 liras.

The regulation was not limited to BursaRay fares. A 30 percent increase was applied to the Selçukgazi minibus tariff, 28.8 percent to the tram student fare, 28.6 percent to some district lines, and 30 percent to the lost card renewal fee. It was stated that the increase in the Mudanya-Hospital student tariff reached 33.3 percent.

The council also made decisions to increase taxi, minibus, school bus, parking, and tow truck fees at various rates.

REACTION TO THE HIKE FROM AKBULUT

Reacting to the decision, New Party Group Spokesperson Yücel Akbulut recalled that the 15 percent transport hike implemented during the Mustafa Bozbey era in February had been criticized by members of the People's Alliance.

Arguing that a higher rate of increase has been applied to public transport without any new rise in citizens' incomes, Akbulut said, "Those who found the 15 percent hike excessive in February, despite the fact that minimum wage, retiree, and civil servant salaries had been increased, are now imposing a 25 percent hike on public transport, and over 30 percent on some items, without any new increase in citizens' income."

Criticizing the inclusion of rising fuel prices among the justifications for the hike, Akbulut pointed out that BursaRay runs on electricity. Akbulut stated, "Those who did not accept 15 percent during the Mustafa Bozbey era are now implementing a 25 percent hike themselves."

Akbulut noted that public transport is used intensively, especially by retirees, workers, and students, and said that such a hike in transport fares at a time when there is no new increase in incomes will strain the citizens' budgets.