Istanbul Private Public Bus Operators Threaten to Halt Free Services Over Unmet Demands
Istanbul’s private public bus operators have declared that they will suspend free passenger transport services from next month if their demands are not addressed. This announcement was made following a press conference held by the Istanbul Chamber of Private Public Bus and Operators Tradesmen in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building in Saraçhane, Fatih.
Erhan Güneş, Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Private Public Bus and Operators Tradesmen, stated on behalf of the tradesmen that the 2026 cost table is far from economic reality and demanded that their grievances be rectified.
Unrealistic Cost Projections and Economic Discrepancies
Güneş emphasized, “The 2026 financial table is far from economic reality. By 2026, the situation has become even more severe. IETT General Directorate has presented a rate of increase for private public buses that does not align with any economic data in Turkey. The proposed rate does not correspond to inflation data, revaluation rates, service producer indices, or real market conditions.”
He further added, “Today, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has presented operators with a raise rate that is even below TÜİK data, without even accepting the data from the Inflation Research Group (ENAG). The increase rate on paper is not the same as the real increase in the field. When items removed or reduced from the cost table are considered, it is clear that the actual reflection is much lower than the stated rates. IETT’s work, which is done at a higher cost, is carried out by Private Public Buses under much more economical conditions. Despite this efficiency, instead of being supported, it is being penalized by IETT.”
Fuel Costs and Operator Burden
Güneş also highlighted the issue of fuel costs, stating, “This is an attempt to transfer the cost from the municipality to the tradesmen’s shoulders with a 1.75 parameter limit. The fuel price in the proposed parameter is 77 TL. The current price is also 77 TL. They are making an offer that says we will not interfere with any future price increases; you pay out of your pocket. We emphasize this strongly here. Private Public Bus representatives are not asking for privileges or concessions, but merely for their rights and a sustainable system.”
He also pointed out the cost efficiency of private operators compared to IETT, noting, “While IETT’s vehicle cost is 1 million 300 thousand TL, private public buses provide service at 600 thousand TL.”
Impact on Istanbul Residents and Future Actions
Erhan Güneş warned that not only the operators but also the people of Istanbul would suffer. “Private Public Buses have always stood by the people of Istanbul, providing uninterrupted service even under difficult circumstances. However, at this point, the tradesmen have no strength left to endure. We are only asking for what is rightfully ours, the compensation for our labor. I regret to state that if our grievances are not resolved, we will not allow free rides on our vehicles from next month due to reasons beyond our control.”
He reiterated this message to the people of Istanbul, adding, “We will hold a meeting on Wednesday at 10:00 AM. If they come to the assembly in the same manner on Wednesday, we, as tradesmen, will come here. And we want to announce that we will not carry any free passengers from the beginning of the month.”
This development indicates a growing tension between private public bus operators and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, with potential significant implications for public transportation services and commuters in the city.
