Politics · Turkey · 5 hrs ago
İzmir approves free İZBAN transfers for 90 minutes from October 16
At a meeting in İzmir, Turkey, the city council approved free İZBAN transfers for 90 minutes starting October 16.
İZBAN is the city's rail service, and the change brings it into the İzmirim Kart's 90-minute transfer scheme.
Until now, the council's rules did not allow transfers on İZBAN under this arrangement.
The approved protocol also sets out how transfer revenue will be shared between İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and Turkey's state railway, TCDD.
The council unanimously authorized Mayor Cemil Tugay to sign the protocol, although he did not attend the meeting.
The decision came amid a political dispute after Tugay joined the ruling AK Party, with opposition and AK Party representatives criticizing each other's positions.
Passengers can use free transfers from October 16, according to Tugay's announcement.
İzmir’s municipal council unanimously approved including İZBAN in the city’s 90-minute transfer scheme.
From October 16, İZBAN transfers made within 90 minutes will be free.
The protocol also provides for regulating revenue sharing between İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and TCDD for transfers.
The council authorized İzmir Mayor Cemil Tugay to sign the protocol.
- Who
- İzmir Metropolitan Municipality’s council approved the measure; Mayor Cemil Tugay was authorized to sign the protocol.
- What
- İZBAN was included in İzmir’s 90-minute transfer scheme, making transfers within that period free.
- When
- From October 16. The approval was reported on October 15, 2026.
- Where
- İzmir, Turkey.
- Why
- The change allows passengers to make İZBAN transfers within the 90-minute scheme without paying an additional transfer fare.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
İzmir’s municipal council unanimously approved the protocol and authorized Mayor Cemil Tugay to sign it.
İZBAN transfers made within the 90-minute period are to become free.
- Effective date
- October 16
- Transfer period
- 90 minutes
- Council decision
- Approved unanimously
- Protocol signing
- Mayor Cemil Tugay was authorized to sign
- Revenue sharing
- The protocol provides for regulation between İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and TCDD
What people are saying
From October 16, İZBAN transfers made within 90 minutes will be free.