Last Section of Üsküdar-Sultanbeyli Metro Line Opens, Offering Free Travel
Istanbul, May 22 – The final section of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IMM) M5 Üsküdar-Sultanbeyli metro line, encompassing the Sancaktepe Şehir Hastanesi, Veysel Karani, Hasanpaşa, and Sultanbeyli stations, has officially begun service. This development is expected to significantly ease transportation for millions of Istanbul residents.
Reduced Travel Times and High Capacity
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Sultanbeyli, IMM Deputy Chairman Nuri Aslan stated that the new section reduces the travel time from Üsküdar to Sultanbeyli to just 50 minutes. The metro line boasts a capacity to transport approximately 65,000 passengers per hour.
– “Millions of Istanbul residents will have their lives made easier. 65,000 per day, multiply that by a year… And it’s not just residents of Sultanbeyli who will benefit; Sancaktepe, Çekmeköy, and Üsküdar will also benefit,” Aslan remarked.
Free Travel and Public Transport Reorganization
Aslan also announced that the metro line would offer free service for a total of nine days, starting from the opening day and including the four days of the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday. He further indicated that existing minibus and bus routes would be reorganized to integrate with the newly opened metro stations, ensuring seamless connectivity for commuters.
Future Metro Developments
In addition to the Üsküdar-Sultanbeyli line extension, Aslan revealed that the Ümraniye-Ataşehir-Göztepe metro line is scheduled to open on October 29. Following the speeches, Aslan and his delegation participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and took the inaugural journey on the new metro line.
The newly opened stations – Sancaktepe Şehir Hastanesi, Veysel Karani, Hasanpaşa, and Sultanbeyli – have now started receiving passengers, marking a significant milestone in Istanbul’s public transportation network.
Impact on Urban Mobility
This expansion is a crucial step in alleviating traffic congestion and providing more efficient travel options for residents in the eastern parts of Istanbul. The integration of new metro stations with existing public transport networks aims to create a more cohesive and accessible urban environment.
The M5 line, which originally connected Üsküdar to Çekmeköy, now extends further into the Sultanbeyli district, serving a wider population and contributing to the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public transport infrastructure. The project underscores the IMM’s commitment to improving urban mobility and sustainable transportation solutions.
The strategic placement of the Sancaktepe Şehir Hastanesi station also provides direct access to a major healthcare facility, benefiting patients, visitors, and hospital staff by offering a convenient and rapid transit option.
The free travel period is expected to encourage residents to experience the new line and adapt to the updated public transport arrangements, fostering greater utilization of the metro system.
The long-term goal of such infrastructure projects is to reduce reliance on private vehicles, decrease carbon emissions, and improve the overall quality of life for Istanbul’s growing population by providing a reliable, fast, and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Source: Milliyet.com.tr
