Şehir HatlarıIstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has announced significant transportation arrangements and additional services across the city for Monday, September 14, marking the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. On this special day, all public transportation vehicles included in the ticket integration system will provide free service between 06:00 AM and 04:00 PM. Şehir Hatları ferries will also be included in this free transportation service, and regulations directly affecting ferry services, such as prioritizing school shuttle buses on car ferries, will also be implemented.
Extensive Transportation Plan for the Opening of Schools
To ensure thousands of students and teachers can reach their schools safely and smoothly, IMM has assigned its relevant units, including IETT, Metro Istanbul, Şehir Hatları, Municipal Police, Road Maintenance, and İSPARK, under the coordination of AKOM. This comprehensive action plan aims to reduce traffic congestion in Istanbul and encourage the use of public transportation.
Additional Services and Capacity Increase in Public Transportation
To alleviate the expected traffic congestion with the opening of schools, significant capacity increases will be made in the public transportation network. According to IMM's plan:
- A total of 3,665 additional services will be organized by IETT and Metro Istanbul.
- 512 additional services are planned for Metro Istanbul lines.
These additional services aim to encourage hundreds of thousands of passengers to choose public transportation instead of private vehicles. Sea transportation in Istanbul is also a significant part of this effort. Resources such as Istanbul Night Ferry Timetables and Late Services (2026 Guide) emphasize the importance of urban sea transportation.
Priority for School Shuttle Buses on Ferry Services
An important detail for those using sea transportation concerns arrangements for school shuttle buses. During the first two days of school, shuttle buses will be given priority use of car ferries. This measure will facilitate quick and uninterrupted crossings for shuttles, helping students and teachers reach their schools on time.
Şehir Hatları plays a critical role in Turkey's sea transportation, in addition to its busy services in Istanbul. Ferries, acting as a bridge between islands and coastal towns in the Sea of Marmara, are indispensable for holidaymakers in summer and for local residents in winter. For example, routes like the Erdek - Marmara line are vital for the local population. Similarly, important piers such as Erdek Pier and Avşa Pier can implement similar traffic management strategies during peak periods.
Traffic Safety and Other Supporting Measures
Various measures have been taken to enhance student safety on school routes:
- Traffic markings, signalizations, lane lines, and pedestrian crossings around schools have been renewed.
- “I Am a Mindful Driver” signs have been placed on signal poles to increase driver awareness.
- A pedestrian button signaling system with child voiceovers has been activated at 64 intersections (20 on the Anatolian Side, 44 on the European Side).
Regulations for İSPARK and Construction Site Works
- Free Parking for Shuttle Vehicles: Shuttle vehicles will be offered free parking throughout the day at 94 İSPARK car parks located around schools.
- No Daytime Construction Work: To reduce urban traffic congestion, road and infrastructure works on main arteries are planned to be shifted to night hours as much as possible.
Inspections and Field Teams
231 personnel, comprising 111 teams from the IMM Municipal Police Department, will be on duty around schools. 8 tow trucks will be on standby at critical points for rapid intervention in potential accidents and traffic problems. Additionally, 30 On-Site Solution Vehicles and 60 personnel will monitor traffic flow on busy streets and at intersections.
Important Reminders for Passengers
Passengers using public transportation in Istanbul on Monday, September 14, are advised to plan their journeys considering the additional services and free transportation opportunities, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours. Following current announcements and service information from the official channels of relevant operators for all integrated public transport vehicles, including Şehir Hatları ferries, is crucial for a smooth journey.