Trustee now cancels shuttle service used by the elderly and disabled

Cevdet Ertürkmen, the trustee appointed by the Ministry of Interior following the arrest of Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, has decided to discontinue an important public service as of January 1, 2026. Ertürkmen announced that the "Mekik Service" in Şişli, which provided regular transport between neighborhoods, has been terminated. It is noted that the shuttle services offered an important transportation solution, particularly for connecting the final stretches that IETT buses and rail systems could not reach.

The shuttle services were considered an important public service, especially for citizens living in the Fulya, Feriköy, Gülbağ, Çiftehavuzlar, Teşvikiye, Bozkurt, Kuştepe, and Osmangazi neighborhoods. This service provided great convenience, particularly for the elderly, the disabled, families with children, and those living on narrow streets. It also played a critical role for those in need of safe transportation during night hours.

REACTIONS ARE GROWING

The Neighbor Network (Komşu Ağı), which closely monitors the social structure in Şişli, expressed serious opposition to this decision made by the trustee administration. In a statement made via Instagram, it was stated that the cancellation of the shuttle lines was carried out without seeking the opinions of the people of Şişli and the user groups. The Neighbor Network stated, "The shuttle lines were indispensable for citizens living in many neighborhoods."

The cancellation of the shuttle services is expected to have a major negative impact, particularly on the elderly, the disabled, families with small children, and people living on hilly, narrow streets. With the removal of the service, it is anticipated that these groups will face serious difficulties regarding transportation in their daily lives.

The Neighbor Network stated that the trustee administration did not seek the opinions of citizens, neighborhood headmen (muhtars), or user groups when making this decision.

News Source: 12punto