16.05.2026 16:50
The regulation regarding bus tickets, affecting millions of passengers ahead of Eid al-Adha, has come into effect. According to the new regulation, passengers on intercity bus services can cancel their tickets without deduction until 12 hours before the departure time. Additionally, it has become mandatory to issue open tickets until departure time.
The "Regulation on Amendments to the Highway Transport Regulation" prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated in a written statement regarding the regulation that comprehensive changes were made in line with sectoral needs, digitalization goals, and operational efficiency.
Uraloğlu emphasized that the quality of service in highway transportation will be increased and the unity of application in the sector will be strengthened with the regulations made, and they have initiated a new era that protects citizens' rights more strongly, responds faster to the needs of the sector, and prioritizes digitalization in highway transportation.
Uraloğlu stated that to prevent carriers from being affected by congestion at terminals, they have established the legal infrastructure for using areas allocated or designated by local authorities if space is unavailable at terminals. Mentioning that regulations regarding the transportation of seasonal agricultural workers have also been implemented, Uraloğlu noted that D3 authorization certificate holders are allowed to transport only seasonal agricultural workers who will work in their own agricultural fields.
NEW OBLIGATIONS FOR COURIER TRANSPORTATION
Uraloğlu underlined that they have taken steps to accelerate digital transformation in highway transportation, making the National Electronic Notification System (UETS) mandatory for all authorization certificate holders and announced that the UETS obligation will be implemented as of January 1, 2027.
Providing information about the experience requirements sought in international logistics management, Uraloğlu said, "The validity periods of the authorization certificates, which are the basis for the 3-year experience requirement for those who will conduct international logistics management activities, will also be included in the calculation."
Uraloğlu reported that the period for meeting the professional qualification requirement in authorization certificate transfer procedures has been increased from 45 days to 60 days.
Stating that new obligations have also been introduced for courier transportation, Uraloğlu emphasized that carriers with cargo transportation authorization certificates, if they transport courier shipments, must operate in compliance with courier obligations. Noting that they have allowed SRC courier and courier activity documents to be obtained until January 1, 2027, Uraloğlu also stated that a time extension has been provided for the addition of B2 and D2 documents for vehicles from the 2013 model and earlier.
"OPEN TICKET ARRANGEMENT WILL BE MANDATORY"
Pointing to the regulations made regarding passenger rights, Uraloğlu stated, "To prevent our citizens from experiencing grievances, we have made it mandatory to provide a full refund until 12 hours before the departure time on intercity buses. Additionally, issuing open tickets will be mandatory until the start of the trip. Bus companies have been enabled to submit their fare tariffs to the Ministry in advance. Companies can define tariffs valid for up to 1 month in the system and can apply for corrections within 10 days when necessary."
Uraloğlu mentioned that age limits for drivers have been left to general legislative provisions and emphasized that vehicles without inspection, even if registered with an authorization certificate, will not be allowed to go abroad due to traffic safety reasons.
Uraloğlu noted that for household goods transportation activities, a maximum of 1 van limit has been introduced for those who want to transport only with vans.
Stating that new regulations regarding automobile use have also been made in tourism-oriented passenger transportation activities, Uraloğlu expressed that an incentive mechanism regarding the number of vehicles that can be used has been activated if automobiles with a Domestic Product Certificate are preferred.
"WE ARE IMPLEMENTING A GRADUATED PENALTY SYSTEM"
Uraloğlu also stated that the data transmission obligation of the Transport Electronic Tracking and Audit System (U-ETDS) has been removed for D4 authorization certificates with a departure or arrival point in a metropolitan city and operating on a scheduled basis.
Uraloğlu stated that D2 certified carriers transporting disabled and dialysis patients with a single vehicle will be exempt from the professional qualification requirement, and reported that the ODY-ÜDY (Intermediate Level-Senior Manager) requirement will not be sought for carriers without actual transport capability.
Uraloğlu noted that penalties for carriers operating outside the scope have also been regulated and stated:
"We are implementing a graduated penalty system to prevent unregulated and unregistered transportation. Accordingly, an administrative fine of 21,333 lira will be applied for the first violation, 42,666 lira for the second violation, 106,665 lira for the third violation, and 213,330 lira for the fourth violation. For the fifth violation, the authorization certificate will be revoked. Additionally, operating without a valid document in terminal management will also be prevented."