Transport Will Be Free on 30 August
Official titleDecision on the Identification of Those Who Will Benefit Free of Charge or at Reduced Rates from Certain Property and Services Produced by Public Institutions and Organizations (Decision No: 11643)
It is the Presidential Decision stating that certain rail system and metro lines in Ankara, Istanbul, and İzmir will provide free service on the occasion of Zafer Bayramı, 30 August 2026.
Details of the Regulation
This Decision is an administrative regulation aimed at enabling citizens to use public transport services free of charge on the occasion of Zafer Bayramı, to be celebrated on 30 August 2026. Under the Decision, Başkentray in Ankara, Marmaray and the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Raylı Sistem Hattı and Gayrettepe-İstanbul Havalimanı-Halkalı Metro Hattı in Istanbul, and the İZBAN line in İzmir will be free of charge.
The regulation provides an exemption from the general provision restricting free access to public services, as set forth in Article 1 of Statute No. 4736 on the Tariffs for Property and Services Produced by Public Institutions and Organizations. Thus, a special holiday authorization has been established by overcoming a statutory obstacle.
The Decision was signed by the President on 26 August 2026 and entered into force upon publication in the Official Gazette the following day. Free transportation will be available only on Sunday, 30 August 2026, and the normal tariff will be resumed after this date.
Questions You Might Have
- Which transportation lines will definitely be free of charge?
- Başkentray, Marmaray, İZBAN, the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme line, and the Gayrettepe-İstanbul Havalimanı-Halkalı Metro Hattı.
- How long will this practice remain in effect?
- It will remain valid only throughout Sunday, 30 August 2026.
- Is a special card or application required for free passage?
- No, the decision covers all users, and free passage applies directly on the specified lines.
Key Terms
- 4736 Sayılı Kanun
- The general framework statute preventing public services from being free of charge or offered at reduced rates.
- Muafiyet
- Exclusion from an obligation or restriction by a specific decision.
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REGAS Commentary
It is a positive decision that eliminates transportation costs for citizens on national holidays and encourages participation and mobility. Covering the main rail system lines in three major cities in particular reduces urban traffic while directly benefiting citizens financially.