Are Public Buses Free on July 15th? Transport Updates for Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara

As Turkey commemorates Democracy and National Unity Day on July 15th, many residents are inquiring about the operational status of public transportation services. The day is a public holiday, and numerous citizens wish to participate in memorial events or navigate the city without financial burden. A common question circulating among the public is whether bus services will be free of charge on this significant day. In major cities like Istanbul, the IETT announced that public transportation, including buses, metro, and metrobuses, will be offered at no cost. However, passengers may need to tap their personalized transportation cards in certain instances to take advantage of the free service. Similar provisions are expected in Ankara, where the EGO bus service is also set to operate without fees. Meanwhile, in Izmir, the ESHOT bus service will likewise be free for commuters on July 15th. Riders are encouraged to check local schedules as transit systems may adjust their operations to accommodate the increased number of travelers participating in various events throughout the city. This initiative aims to facilitate access to commemorative activities while promoting public transport usage on a day of national significance.