Ankara to Offer Free Public Transport to 140,000 Citizens
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) is set to implement a new initiative, the “Social Subscription” program, which will provide free public transportation to citizens receiving social assistance. Starting February 1st, 2026, approximately 140,000 eligible residents will benefit from this program, marking a significant step towards reducing transportation burdens and fostering greater inclusivity in urban life.
Social Subscription to Begin on February 1st, 2026
The ABB, under the leadership of Mayor Mansur Yavaş, is rolling out this project to alleviate the transportation expenses of socially supported citizens. The “Social Subscription” is the initial phase of a broader free transportation plan previously announced by Mayor Yavaş. This program is scheduled to commence on February 1st, 2026.
140,000 People to Benefit in the First Stage
This groundbreaking “Social Subscription” program, a first in Turkey, will initially benefit around 140,000 citizens aged between 18 and 65 who receive social assistance from the ABB and possess a personalized EGO card. These individuals will gain access to free public transport from the start date.
Other eligible citizens who have not yet personalized their EGO cards will be integrated into the system in monthly cycles once they complete the personalization process.
Valid on EGO, Metro, and Başkentray Lines
The “Social Subscription” will be applicable on:
- EGO General Directorate buses
- Metro and ANKARAY lines
- TCDD Başkentray services
It is important to note that the program will not be valid for Private Public Buses (ÖHO, ÖTA, AHOK, etc.).
Mayor Yavaş: “Step by Step, It Will Cover All of Ankara”
In a statement regarding the implementation, ABB Mayor Mansur Yavaş said: “We are taking the first step in our free transportation application that we announced earlier. As of February 1st, 2026, we are launching our Social Subscription application. In the first stage, 140,000 of our citizens will benefit from this right. Other beneficiaries will be included in the system in monthly periods.”
Mayor Yavaş emphasized that the application would be gradually expanded, highlighting its pioneering nature in Turkey. He also assured that “Transportation tradesmen will not be victimized,” stating, “We adopted the principle that our transportation tradesmen should not be victimized. We made all our plans based on public benefit and sustainability.”
Transportation Infrastructure Being Strengthened
President Yavaş also mentioned that efforts to strengthen Ankara’s transportation infrastructure are ongoing. These efforts include the acquisition of new buses and continued work on environmentally friendly and new technology vehicles. ABB teams have reportedly conducted technical inspections and meetings with five different companies in five different cities in China as part of these efforts.
