Ankara, Turkey – Public transport fares in Ankara have seen a significant 35% increase, pushing the full ticket price from 26 TL to 35 TL. This decision, made during the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Council’s 3rd December meeting, has drawn considerable criticism, particularly as it follows Mayor Mansur Yavaş’s recent pledge to make public transport free.
Significant Fare Hikes Across the Board
The fare adjustments affect all categories of public transport users. Student tickets have risen from 13 TL to 17 TL. Full transfer fees have increased from 12.50 TL to 17 TL, and student transfer fees from 8 TL to 10 TL. These changes significantly raise the cost of public transportation in the capital city.
Council Decision and Political Disagreement
The new tariffs, which are set to be valid for 2026 for municipal buses and dolmuş lines, were approved despite opposition from the AK Party, MHP, and BBP groups. The proposal passed with the majority vote of the CHP group.
Controversy Surrounds Mayor’s Promise
The fare hike has been met with widespread backlash, largely due to a statement made by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş just a month prior. Yavaş had publicly declared in the Council that he aimed to acquire 1000 new buses to make public transport free of charge. The subsequent decision to increase fares has led to accusations of broken promises and has fueled public discontent.
The increase in student and transfer fees has further exacerbated concerns about the rising cost of living and accessibility to essential services for residents in Ankara.
Impact on Residents
With these new tariffs, the financial burden on daily commuters, especially students and those relying on multiple transfers, is expected to grow substantially. The decision has ignited a debate among residents and political factions regarding the city’s public transport policy and the transparency of its financial planning.
The ABB Council’s decision to implement these fare increases comes at a time when many residents are already grappling with economic challenges. The contrast between the Mayor’s earlier promise and the current reality of higher fares has become a central point of public discussion in Ankara.
Source: https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/vaadi-ucretsizdi-karari-zam-oldu-4777985
