Traffic congestion in Istanbul has long been a pressing issue that has plagued both residents and visitors to this bustling metropolis. As one of the most populated cities in the world, Istanbul's roadways are often clogged with vehicles during peak hours, turning what should be a routine commute into a stressful and time-consuming ordeal. The struggle to navigate through the city's labyrinthine streets and find affordable and convenient parking has become a daily reality for many who call Istanbul home. Despite significant investments in recent years to bolster the public transportation network, Istanbul's traffic troubles persist, exacerbated by the city's ever-expanding population. The government's efforts to enhance the infrastructure, including the development of the metro, buses, trams, and ferries, have provided viable alternatives for some residents seeking to circumvent the frustrations of driving in congested traffic. However, the sheer scale of the issue demands more comprehensive and innovative solutions to address the root causes of the congestion. As urbanization continues to surge and more vehicles hit the streets, it is imperative to explore additional measures to alleviate the strain on Istanbul's roadways.
The transportation challenges faced by Istanbul's residents navigating between the two continents are even more complex and multifaceted. The city's unique geographic position straddling Europe and Asia necessitates efficient and reliable transportation options to facilitate the movement of students, employees, and citizens across the Bosphorus Strait. While bridges and tunnels offer direct connections, the persistent issue of traffic congestion, even on these structures, highlights the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable transportation network. A holistic approach to transportation planning and infrastructure development is essential to addressing these challenges. In addition to enhancing existing modes of transportation such as the Marmaray, ferries, and metrobuses, there is a growing need to explore innovative solutions that can alleviate congestion and improve connectivity across the city. The biggest drawback of Marmaray and Metrobuses is how crowded they are. Even though ferries don’t have this issue, their scarce departure times and long voyages make them unfavorable. Buses, on the other hand, have the worst of both worlds: they are crowded, take too long, and have infrequent departure times, leaving citizens running behind them most of the time. The government's newest solution to this problem is “sea dolmushes.”
City Lines, which has completed the production of 3 sea dolmushes, launched its vehicles into the water at a ceremony held at the historic Golden Horn Shipyards.
During the ceremony, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, stating that they have been handling the historical Golden Horn Shipyards with special care since the day they took over, said, "The Golden Horn Shipyards were described and designed as a science museum or an educational area based on an agreement made with a foundation. This shipyard, with almost 600 years of history, was going to be closed. There would be no production here, and it would have been subject to a different interpretation. I won't go into the specifics of that interpretation. […]We found it important for this unique treasure, which is only found in Istanbul, to live on and be preserved."
Continuing his words, İmamoğlu touched on the traffic issue in Istanbul by:
"Environmentally friendly, fast, and comfortable alternative sea transportation projects and services aimed at increasing the share of sea transportation in public transportation are crucial steps for the future of Istanbul. While increasing the number of lines, we also increased the number of voyages on existing lines, and we will continue to do so. Our efforts are ongoing to make the sea play a more effective role in solving Istanbul's traffic problem."
İmamoğlu highlighted the pivotal role of sea dolmushes in their transportation strategy. He pointed out that the use of high-capacity ships on routes with low passenger volumes has been identified as inefficient and wasteful. As a result, he and his team came up with sea dolmushes. This new initiative aims to optimize the fleet and reduce operating costs significantly, with estimated savings of around 120 million Turkish Lira annually. Officials expressed optimism that this model will soon yield a quick return on investment. While acknowledging that certain routes are not suited for large vessels and confirming their removal from those services, İmamoğlu emphasized that the introduction of sea dolmushes represents a cost-effective alternative for Istanbul's residents.,
There are planned to be seven sea dolmushes in total that will operate on the Istinye-Küçüksu and Beykoz-Sarıyer routes. Only three of the dolmushes are ready for now, but officials are expecting all of them to be done by September.
According to İmamoğlu, the introduction of sea dolmushes is just the beginning of his plans to revolutionize public transportation, hinting at even more exciting developments on the horizon. Although still in their early stages, these sea dolmushes hold great potential for those living in Sarıyer or Beykoz, areas with limited public transportation and a reputation for being "out of the city." However, citizens are divided about this new means of transportation. Some see it as a step forward to improve the public transportation network of Istanbul and, therefore, a future solution to the traffic problem. Conversely, some argue that the new dolmushes are a waste of money and time that would have been better used on other transportation projects that aim to bring public transportation to neglected areas such as Bahçeşehir, Silivri, or Ataşehir. The majority of these locations lack underground public transportation options and only have access to inconvenient buses—or the underground options they do have are in their primitive stages with scarce lines. For instance, the government has been promising that a metro would be built to Bahçeşehir since 2015, but the line is still unfinished and is currently scheduled to open in 2027. However, there have been no new developments regarding this project. On the other hand, some locations, like Tuzla, have underground transportation, such as Marmaray, but lack adequate public transportation into the city. With all of these aspects combined, people are being forced to use their cars in Istanbul rather than opting for public transportation like the government wants.
In conclusion, Istanbul's traffic congestion and transportation challenges are multifaceted issues that require comprehensive and innovative solutions. While the introduction of sea dolmushes represents a promising step towards alleviating some of the city's transit woes, it is clear that this alone will not suffice. Addressing the deep-rooted causes of congestion demands a holistic approach that includes the expansion and integration of all modes of public transportation, from buses and trams to metro lines and ferries. Furthermore, special attention must be given to underserved areas to ensure equitable access to efficient and reliable transit options. As the city continues to grow and evolve, a strategic focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions will be crucial. Only through a concerted effort that balances immediate needs with long-term planning can Istanbul hope to achieve a more fluid and efficient transportation network, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.