Şehir HatlarıThe Çubuklu-İstinye Car Ferry Line, connecting the Beykoz and Sarıyer districts, which was suspended by İBB Şehir Hatları on **July 31, 2025**, is unofficially announced to resume services in October. This development is expected to alleviate the severe traffic congestion experienced on the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Kavacık axis following the line's closure.
Suspension of the Line and its Impact on Urban Traffic
The removal of the Çubuklu-İstinye Car Ferry Line, suspended by İBB Şehir Hatları on July 31, 2025, caused a significant disruption in Istanbul's traffic. Noticeable traffic congestion occurred, particularly on the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Kavacık axis. The elimination of direct vehicle passage by sea directly affected not only Beykoz but also the Sarıyer line, complicating daily flow between the two shores. With fewer transportation options, the burden on bridges and roads increased; drivers and local residents frequently voiced complaints about rising transportation costs and long waiting times. This situation strengthened the local community's demands for the line's reopening.
Local Pressure and Reopening Initiatives
Over the past year, intense efforts were made to reinstate the line, led by Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel. The issue was consistently kept on the agenda through official applications, İBB Council discussions, Ankara contacts, and field meetings. Despite İBB's initial rejection, stating that 'sea dolmuşes are sufficient,' Gürzel demonstrated her resolve by calling, 'If you won't open it, transfer the piers to Beykoz Municipality, and we will operate the line in coordination with our Ministry.' Approximately 45 neighborhood headmen (muhtars), sports clubs, and civil society organization representatives supported this initiative, following the process with joint declarations and field demands. Following a year of continuous local pressure, a shift in the İBB administration's approach emerged, and the decision to re-evaluate the line came onto the agenda.
Good News and Expected Steps
In recent developments, İBB Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan made an unofficial statement in footage recorded in Beykoz, indicating that the line will resume services in **October**. This declaration has generated great hope among regional stakeholders and citizens. Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel also shared on social media that the process is progressing positively, emphasizing local solidarity with the words, 'If you won't open it, transfer the piers to Beykoz Municipality... What matters is not who does it, but that our Beykoz wins.' Gürzel added that they expect the service schedule to be shared with the public shortly.
Official approval and the exact start date of services are expected to be announced by İBB and Şehir Hatları in the coming period. The persistent initiatives by local government, headmen (muhtars), and NGOs over the past year are seen as the decisive factor in reactivating this crucial line between Çubuklu Pier and İstinye Pier. Passengers are advised to follow the official announcements of Şehir Hatları for current service times and details.