14.10.2025 22:45
Bus companies overshadowed by the High-Speed Train have taken action to compensate for passenger losses on the Istanbul-Ankara route. Following the interest shown in the express bus services launched between Istanbul and Izmir, a similar application will be implemented on the Istanbul-Ankara route starting in November. In the new system, stops such as Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Bolu, and Beypazarı will be removed from the route.
The Istanbul-Ankara High-Speed Train (YHT) line, which started operating in 2014, has disrupted intercity transportation. This development has led to a significant decrease in the number of passengers for bus companies operating between the two cities. In the face of train services that stand out in terms of speed and comfort, road transportation has begun to seek new solutions.
ISTANBUL-IZMIR EXPRESS SERVICES INSPIRED
Last year, some companies had started the express service application by removing intermediate stops on the Istanbul-Izmir line. This new method significantly shortened the travel time and received positive feedback from passengers. This successful pilot application resulted in the decision to expand to other routes.
5 STOPS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE ROUTE
Starting in November, a similar application will be implemented on the Istanbul-Ankara route. Some bus companies aim to shorten travel time by offering an express service option on this line. In the new system, stops such as Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Bolu, and Beypazarı, which are currently included in the services, will be removed for express buses.
THE RATIO IN TOTAL CAPACITY WILL BE 50 PERCENT
In the new period, companies will divide the Istanbul-Ankara services into "normal" and "express." Thus, passengers who want to save time can prefer express services. According to the plan, the ratio of these services within the total capacity will be approximately 50 percent.
THE APPLICATION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY SOME COMPANIES
The express line application will initially be implemented by only a few bus companies. However, expanding the system according to passenger demand is also on the agenda. Bus companies aim to increase their competitiveness against high-speed trains with this step.