New school year traffic increases in Istanbul, public transportation is free

As the new school year begins today for millions of students across Türkiye, there is also great activity in Istanbul.

APPROXIMATELY 18 THOUSAND SERVICES ARE ON TRAFFIC TODAY

It is expected that approximately 18 thousand buses will be in traffic today throughout the city and 300 thousand students will be transported by buses.

INTENSITY STARTED IN EARLY HOURS

Within the scope of the measures taken, it was aimed to prevent the conflict between working hours and school traffic by moving the class bell to 10:00, but according to the latest data, vehicle queues began to form in the city's main arteries and bridge approaches from the early hours of the morning, despite the regulation made during school hours.

TRAFFIC DENSITY IS 53 PERCENT

As of 07:52, traffic density in Istanbul is around 53 percent. This rate is expected to increase further in the coming hours.

TRANSPORTATION IS FREE

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) has taken a series of measures to reduce the congestion that may occur on the first day of schools opening. Accordingly, public transportation will provide free service between 06.00 and 16.00 on Monday, September 14.

Capacity will also be increased on IETT, Metrobus and Metro Istanbul lines so that Istanbulites can turn to public transportation instead of private vehicles. A total of 3 thousand 665 additional flights are planned.

It is aimed to direct approximately 790 thousand 830 passengers to public transportation with additional flights, thus removing approximately 674 thousand 809 vehicles from Istanbul traffic.