Istanbul will offer free public transportation beginning on January 1, 2025, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a smooth and secure start to the New Year. This initiative is part of a broader plan by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) to ensure uninterrupted services and maintain safety during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Enhanced Public Transport Services
To manage the expected increase in passengers during the New Year’s celebrations, IMM has scheduled extra public transport services:
Buses: İETT will run 64,832 trips on December 31, including 304 additional trips on 25 major routes to accommodate the growing demand.
Metrobus: Operating 24/7, the Metrobus system will add 221 extra trips during the night.
Metro and Tram: Key metro lines such as M1A, M2, M4, and M9 will continue running for 24 hours. Tram and funicular lines, including T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar and F1 Taksim-Kabataş, will be extended until 2:00 AM on January 1.
City Lines Ferries: Additional ferry trips will be added to manage crowd density, with staff available to ensure smooth operations.
Safety and Order Measures
IMM has also introduced several measures to maintain safety and order throughout the city:
Police Patrols: Police will monitor key areas such as public squares, main roads, and coastal zones around the clock. Their duties will include preventing illegal activities, ensuring consumer rights, and handling crowd control.
Public Transport Oversight: Increased inspections will focus on minibuses, taxis, buses, and other public transport to ensure efficient operations and safety.
Emergency Preparedness
In case of emergencies or disruptions, IMM has put in place comprehensive support measures:
Fire and Emergency Teams: Firefighters and medical personnel will be on standby, with ambulances and emergency stations fully staffed to respond to any incidents.
Road Maintenance: Teams will work tirelessly to maintain road conditions and provide assistance during adverse weather.
Water and Waste Management: İSKİ teams will address any water or sewage issues, while waste management staff will ensure the city remains clean.
Round-the-Clock Support
The 153 Solution Center will operate continuously, offering support for citizens and allowing them to report any issues during the New Year’s festivities.
With free public transport and a solid safety plan, Istanbul residents can look forward to a safe, efficient, and enjoyable start to 2025.
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