Istanbul Metrobus to Be Privatized

Istanbul is making moves to privatize the IETT public bus company. Photo via IETT.

IETT Metrobus lines will be transferred to the private sector, operating under the authority of the Istanbul Bus Company of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, according to recent news reports.

Istanbul is making moves to privatize the IETT public bus company. Photo via IETT.

On October 29, the Avcılar-Beylükdüzü line that is scheduled to be opened for 100 metrobuses, will be transferred to the private sector. Following this transfer, two existing Metrobus lines (Avcılar-Edirnekapı-Zincirlikuyu and Söğütlüçeşme) will also be transferred to the bus company.

Istanbul Bus Company will decide on the method and date of renting the 100 metrobuses running between Avcılar and Beylikdüzü in the coming days.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and UKOME (the Transport Coordination Center) are expected to decide on the responsible institution to coordinate and supervise the IETT Metrobuses after privatization.

It is expected that Istanbul Bus Company will assume authority after a certain period of time. Istanbul Bus Company is the fourth private company of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.