In recent days, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality has increased the fares for various modes of public transportation such as buses, metro, ferries, trams, and İZBAN by 17%. Now, they have also decided to raise the fares for the ferry services that operate between Üçkuyular and Bostanlı, carrying hundreds of vehicles daily. The new tariff approved by UKOME indicates that the fee for car passage has been raised from 110 lira to 160 lira. This new tariff is set to take effect on November 7th. It is worth noting that the last time the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality increased the ferry fares was on June 15, 2024.
The recent increase in ferry fares comes on the heels of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality’s decision to raise the prices of public transportation within the city by 17%. With the new year approaching, commuters in Izmir are facing yet another financial burden with the hike in ferry fares.
**Significant Increase in Car Passage Fees**
The new tariff approved by UKOME has led to a substantial increase in the fees for car passage on the ferries operating between Bostanlı and Üçkuyular. Cars will now have to pay 160 lira for passage, up from the previous fee of 110 lira. Other vehicle classes have also been affected by the price hike. Medium-sized vehicles such as vans and minibuses will now have to pay 300 lira instead of the previous 280 lira for passage, while motorcycles will see their fee increase from 45 lira to 50 lira. The passage fee for buses and trucks has also been raised significantly, with buses and trucks now having to pay 700 lira and 1000 lira respectively for passage.
**Implementation of Weekday Discounts for Cars**
In an effort to ease the burden on commuters, Mayor Cemil Tugay has instructed for discounts to be applied to car passage fees during specific hours on weekdays. Cars traveling between 10:00 am – 3:40 pm and 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm on weekdays will receive a 20 lira discount, bringing their passage fee down to 140 lira. However, it is important to note that this discount will not be applicable on weekends, holidays, and public holidays.
**Second Fare Increase in Four Months**
The decision to increase ferry fares marks the second time within a span of four months that the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality has implemented fare changes for the ferries operated by its subsidiary company, İZDENİZ. Just earlier this year, on June 15, 2024, the ferry fares were adjusted. The frequency of fare increases has sparked criticism and discontent among commuters who are already facing financial challenges.
In conclusion, the recent fare hike for ferry services in Izmir has added to the financial burden of commuters in the city. The decision to increase fares for various modes of public transportation, including ferries, has raised concerns among residents about the affordability of transportation in Izmir. As the new tariff is set to take effect soon, it remains to be seen how commuters will adapt to the increased costs of ferry travel in the city.
