Istanbul residents are facing a sharp rise in transportation costs, with both public transit fares and toll fees for bridges and highways seeing significant hikes in recent months. These price increases affect millions of people who rely on city’s transport infrastructure for their daily commutes. As economic difficulties persist in Türkiye, the burden on residents continues to grow, with many questioning how they will afford these rising expenses.
Public Transportation Fare Hikes Add to Commuter Burdens
On January 18, 2025, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) approved a 35% increase in public transportation fares, impacting all buses, metros, trams, and ferries. With this new adjustment, the full electronic ticket price increased from 20 Turkish Lira (TL) to 27 TL, while student fares rose from 9.76 TL to 13.18 TL. Additionally, the discounted fare option has climbed from 14.32 TL to 19.33 TL, affecting many passengers who rely on reduced rates.
For those who uses monthly passes, the impact is even greater. The monthly full Istanbul Card fare has surged from 1,570 TL to 2,120 TL, making regular commuting more costly for workers and professionals. Meanwhile, the monthly student card price increased from 282 TL to 381 TL, which was met with frustration from students already struggling with economic difficulties.
These fare hikes are expected to affect nearly 7 million daily commuters in Istanbul, many of whom have already been dealing with rising living costs. Public transportation, once seen as the most affordable way to navigate the city, is becoming a growing financial burden for residents, especially for students and low-income individuals.
Taxis Also See Sharp Price Increases
Alongside public transit fares, taxi fares have also risen considerably, making this mode of transportation even less accessible for many Istanbulites. The starting fare for taxis has increased from 30 TL to 42 TL, while the minimum fare has surged from 100 TL to 135 TL. Additionally, the per-kilometer rate for yellow taxis has jumped from 20 TL to 28 TL, marking a 40% increase, and the hourly waiting rate has surged from 235 TL to 350 TL, an increase of nearly 49%.
Taxi drivers argue that these price hikes are necessary due to increased fuel costs and inflation, but for residents, the rising prices have made taxis an unaffordable option. Many commuters who previously relied on taxis as an alternative to crowded public transportation are now forced to seek other options. For those who work late hours or live in areas with fewer public transport connections, these fare increases mean longer commute times and greater financial strain.
Highway and Bridge Toll Fees Skyrocket
In addition to public transportation and taxi fare hikes, tolls for bridges and highways have also seen dramatic increases. Effective January 1, 2025, the General Directorate of Highways (KGM) announced a 43.93% average increase in toll rates, making travel across the city even more expensive for car owners and long-distance commuters.
Among the most significant toll hikes:
The 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge tolls for passenger cars increased from 33 TL to 47.5 TL.
The Osmangazi Bridge toll rose sharply from 555 TL to 798 TL.
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge toll increased from 70 TL to 100 TL.
The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge toll climbed from 585 TL to 842 TL.
These numbers demonstrate a pattern of continuous price increases that affect not only individual drivers but also businesses that rely on transportation networks for goods and services.
Commuters and transportation analysts have pointed out that these increases disproportionately affect middle-class and lower-income citizens, who are already struggling with rising fuel prices and inflation. The hikes also impact businesses that rely on road transportation, further increasing the cost of goods and services in Istanbul and other parts of Türkiye.
Public Reactions and Growing Concerns
The public response to these fare increases has been overwhelmingly negative, with residents expressing their frustration on social media and through local protests. Many have criticized the government and local authorities for failing to provide affordable transportation options, especially at a time when inflation remains high and wages have not kept up with rising costs.
A commuter from Istanbul, who relies on public transportation for work, shared their frustration: "I used to be able to get to work and back home for a reasonable amount, but now it feels like I’m spending a huge part of my salary just on transport. Everything is getting more expensive, but our wages remain the same. How are we supposed to survive?"
Students have also voiced their concerns, stating that education should not be made more difficult by rising transportation costs. With tuition fees, housing costs, and food prices already increasing, many students fear that higher transportation fares will further limit their ability to attend school or participate in social activities.
Authorities Justify the Increases, But Is It Enough?
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and transportation authorities have defended the fare hikes, arguing that they are necessary to cover increasing operational costs, maintain services, and manage the city's expanding transportation network. Officials claim that fuel price hikes, inflation, and rising maintenance costs have left them with no choice but to increase fares to keep public transport functioning.
While authorities have promised that these increases will help maintain the quality and sustainability of transportation services, many residents remain unconvinced. The public has called for greater investment in alternative transportation options, such as bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly areas, and more affordable transport programs for low-income individuals and students.
A Growing Transportation Crisis?
As Istanbul continues to expand, balancing transportation costs with accessibility and affordability remains a critical challenge for city planners and policymakers. The recent fare increases have placed additional financial pressure on millions of people, making it more difficult for residents to navigate the city without significant expenses.
Whether the government will introduce relief measures or further escalate economic pressure remains to be seen. For now, Istanbulites must navigate an increasingly expensive and challenging transportation system, questioning whether they can afford the rising cost of mobility in one of Türkiye’s busiest cities.