Bridge and highway toll hikes spark debate within the ruling party: 'Trustee' remark from Şamil Tayyar

As of midnight, a new tariff has been applied to highway and bridge tolls operated under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. While the price increases have been debated in the public eye, former AK Party deputy Şamil Tayyar also made notable statements on social media.

Pointing out that this is the second price hike within the year, Tayyar criticized the implemented pricing policy.

"SECOND HIKE OF THE YEAR"

In his post, Şamil Tayyar stated that highway and bridge tolls were increased by at least 18 percent as of July 1.

Recalling that a 25.49 percent increase was applied to tolls at the beginning of January, Tayyar drew attention to the fact that this is the second hike within the year.

In his statement, Tayyar said, "As of today, some bridge and highway tolls have been increased by at least 18 percent. A 25.49 percent hike was also made at the beginning of January. In other words, we are facing the second hike of the year."

"IF A CHICKEN COMPANY HAD DONE IT, A TRUSTEE WOULD HAVE BEEN APPOINTED"

Şamil Tayyar criticized the new hikes by citing the example of chicken companies that were previously investigated and had trustees appointed to them on the grounds of exorbitant price increases.

Tayyar commented, "If a chicken company had made these hikes, a 'trustee' would have been appointed."

CRITICIZED PUBLIC PRICING POLICY

Stating that all segments should take equal responsibility in the fight against inflation, Tayyar made assessments regarding the price-setting approach of public institutions.

Tayyar expressed that the public sector goes for high-rate increases when setting prices for the goods and services it produces, while at the same time expecting sacrifice from the private sector.

In his statement, he included the following remarks: "The public sector is generous when setting price tariffs for the goods and services it produces, yet it demands sacrifice from firms. Likewise, the heavy burden of the fight against inflation is borne by low and fixed-income earners. However, the public sector should be a pioneer and an example in the fight against inflation."

NEW TARIFF FOR OSMANGAZİ AND 1915 ÇANAKKALE BRIDGES

Within the scope of the new regulation, the automobile toll for the Osmangazi Bridge and the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge has increased from 790 liras to 1,170 liras.

Thus, a significant increase has been applied to the tolls for both bridges.

GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF HIGHWAYS ANNOUNCED

In a statement made by the General Directorate of Highways, it was reported that the tolls for highways and bridges operated under the Public-Private Partnership model have been reorganized.

The statement said, "The tolls for highways and bridges operated under the Public-Private Sector Partnership have been reorganized to be effective as of 00:00 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (the night connecting June 30 to July 1)."

News Source: 12punto