Ankara, January 13 – Approximately 375,000 residents of Ankara who receive social assistance from the municipality will now benefit from free public transportation. This significant announcement was made by CHP leader Özgür Özel during his party’s group meeting, following a statement from Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş.
Free Public Transportation for Social Aid Recipients
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel confirmed that the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality will extend free public transportation services to 375,000 individuals currently receiving social aid. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the municipality to alleviate the financial burden on its most vulnerable citizens.
Özel’s remarks, delivered at the party’s group meeting, highlighted the ABB’s commitment to social welfare. He stated, “You are in Ankara. This city has a Metropolitan Mayor. I will give an example from there. All our municipalities have very similar practices, but Ankara is one of the best. In Ankara, Mayor Mansur… They have been engaging in trivial politics about water for days, trivial politics… I said in Denizli, ‘They have come out praying for no rain.’ And people believed it, friends, people believed it. That is, people believed this: ‘How do you know?’ We know from their actions. If it rains and Mayor Mansur’s dams fill up, they will be sad. If Ankara runs out of water, they will celebrate.”
Addressing Water Scarcity and Political Debates
Özel also addressed criticisms regarding water shortages in Ankara, referencing past claims by President Erdoğan in 2019 and a minister in 2023 that the Gerede water system would solve Ankara’s water problems until 2050. Özel countered these claims by presenting data on water flow from the Gerede system, indicating a significant decrease from 235 million cubic meters in 2023 to 72 million cubic meters in 2025, with no water supply from May last year until October this year.
He emphasized Mayor Yavaş’s proactive measures in managing the water situation and providing transparent data. “Mansur Yavaş took precautions and shared the figures transparently. He also solved that problem. God willing, just as we solve every problem, we will solve the water problem within the authority of the municipalities, and with the authority given by the nation, we will solve it in power next year,” Özel added.
Comprehensive Social Support from ABB
The free public transportation initiative is one of several social support programs implemented by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Mayor Mansur Yavaş’s administration has also been providing significant financial assistance to pensioners in need, offering 2,667 Turkish Liras monthly. Additionally, the municipality provides 1 kg of meat support 12 times a year and covers natural gas bills for three months during winter for eligible families.
These initiatives are being carried out despite intense scrutiny from hundreds of inspectors, as noted by Özel, underscoring the municipality’s dedication to its social welfare agenda.
Future Outlook and Impact
The decision to offer free public transportation was made by the ABB Council, ensuring that 375,000 social aid recipients within Ankara’s city limits will benefit from this service. This move is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on low-income families and enhance their access to essential services and opportunities across the city.
The announcement comes amidst a broader political discourse in Turkey, with leaders like Özel and Bahçeli reportedly agreeing on pension increases and the inclusion of pensioners in citizenship wages. Other recent developments include warnings for several provinces with yellow codes, support for ready-to-wear employment, and the introduction of a secure payment system for housing and land sales.
The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality continues to prioritize the well-being of its residents, with this latest initiative reinforcing its commitment to social justice and support for the community.
Source: gazetememur.com
