Transportation will be free on the day schools will open in Istanbul

A giant package of measures is being put into effect on Monday, September 14 (tomorrow), the first day of the 2026-2027 academic year in Istanbul, in order to prevent congestion in urban traffic. In line with the decision taken at the August session of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME), public transportation vehicles included in ticket integration will provide free service to citizens between 06.00 and 16.00.

FIELD INSPECTIONS AND TOWER WATCH ARE INCREASING

On the first day of school opening, 1,496 teams and 3,151 personnel will be on duty at 808 critical points to ensure transportation flow throughout the city. On the routes where inspections for school buses will be intensified, 33 tow trucks will be kept ready to immediately respond to possible material damage accidents and vehicle malfunctions. In addition, 30 On-Site Solution Tools and 60 personnel will provide field support around the school.

WORKS WILL BE SUSPENDED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES

New steps have also been taken regarding infrastructure and road works that may negatively affect traffic. Representatives of IMM and relevant institutions will keep watch at AKOM and UYM centers for 3 days and monitor traffic via city cameras. There will be no work at construction sites during the week when schools open, and current projects will be completed before the class bell rings. On the other hand, in order to increase children's traffic awareness and awareness, a child voice warning system will be introduced in 64 traffic lights around the school.