14.04.2025 16:51
The Istanbul Private Public Buses Tradesmen's Chamber announced that they have decided to halt private public bus services across the city due to not receiving payments from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). In a statement from the chamber, it was noted that payments have been delayed by 3 to 4 months, and this situation has driven operators to the brink of bankruptcy.
The Istanbul Private Public Buses Tradesmen's Chamber announced that they have decided to halt private public bus services across the city due to not receiving payments from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).
In a statement from the chamber, it was noted that the private public bus operators, who play a critical role in the daily lives of millions of people in the city, have reached the end of their endurance.
"PAYMENTS ARE 3-4 MONTHS DELAYED"
The statement indicated that despite the economic fluctuations, fuel price increases, and rising costs, the private public bus operators have shouldered the burden of the public transportation system that keeps this city running. "For the last 5 years, especially the payment delays of up to 3 to 4 months from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality have pushed us to the brink of bankruptcy. As of today, our total receivables from the municipality have exceeded 5 billion lira. This is not just a debt; it is the usurpation of the transportation rights of thousands of workers, their families, and millions of people," it was stated.
"WE NO LONGER HAVE THE POWER TO PURCHASE FUEL"
The statement noted that every time they sought dialogue, they were met with delaying tactics:
"We no longer have the power to purchase fuel, nor do we have the means to pay our drivers' salaries. Under these conditions, providing transportation services is not technically, humanly, or morally possible. Therefore, in the coming days, we will halt private public bus services across Istanbul. This is not a threat, but a mandatory decision imposed by the current conditions. Either a solution is produced, or the public transportation system in Istanbul will collapse."