The Future of Transportation in Istanbul Discussed at Istanbul Ticaret University
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At the panel discussion titled “Sustainable Transportation Solutions in Istanbul with Mega Transportation Projects” held at our university, permanent and innovative projects and solution proposals addressing Istanbul’s transportation problems were presented. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted major projects and investments in Istanbul’s transportation infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of our university’s work and contributions.
The panel discussion titled “Sustainable Transportation Solutions in Istanbul with Mega Transportation Projects,” organized by our university and the Traffic Common Sense Projects Association to develop permanent and innovative solutions to Istanbul’s transportation problems, was held at the Sütlüce Campus Conference Hall. The opening speeches of the program, which included a presentation by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, were delivered by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, our Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. İsrafil Kuralay, our Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, and our Director of the Transportation Systems Application and Research Center and President of the Traffic Common Sense Projects Association Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı. The program was attended by Abdullah Atakan Atasoy, District Governor of Beyoğlu; İsmail Karayılan, Istanbul Regional Director of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority; representatives of the Motorcycle Couriers Association and the Cyclists Association; members of the Turkish Traffic Accident Prevention Association; managers of the Istanbul Taxi Drivers Guild; academics; students; and guests.
“ISTANBUL TICARET UNIVERSITY MAKES SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS”
Minister Uraloğlu discussed Istanbul’s mega projects and sustainable transportation strategies in his presentation. Highlighting Istanbul Ticaret University’s academic work in the field of transportation, Minister Uraloğlu expressed his gratitude for the university’s contributions in this area, saying, “Istanbul Ticaret University is making significant contributions to solving Istanbul’s transportation problems through its academic work and projects on transportation systems.”
OVER 1 TRILLION 206 BILLION LIRA INVESTED IN ISTANBUL
Minister Uraloğlu stated that significant investments have been made in Istanbul’s transportation infrastructure over the past 22 years, adding, “We have invested a total of over 1 trillion 206 billion lira in Istanbul. We have equipped Istanbul with a modern and efficient transportation infrastructure through projects such as the Northern Marmara Motorway, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Eurasia Tunnel, Istanbul Airport, and numerous metro lines.”. He also emphasized the importance of sustainable transportation projects in reducing Istanbul’s traffic congestion.
MINISTER URALOĞLU REQUESTS NEW DEPARTMENT
Minister Uraloğlu stated that public transportation habits must be increased and focus must be placed on alternative transportation solutions for the future of Istanbul, sharing the ministry’s projections in this area. He expressed his belief that the meeting would present concrete solutions to Istanbul’s transportation problems. Minister Uraloğlu highlighted the work carried out by Istanbul Ticaret University in this field and stated that there is a need to diversify academic departments such as transportation systems and urban planning.
INVESTMENTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül also drew attention to Istanbul’s traffic problem in his opening speech, saying, “The number of vehicles and population density in our city far exceed the capacity of our existing roads and land. Istanbul accounts for 20% of Turkey’s population and 20% of its vehicles, yet its land area is only 0.69% of Turkey’s total geography. This situation necessitates greater investment in underground transportation alternatives and rail systems, as well as increasing our citizens’ use of public transportation. Every investment made in this area is of great importance for the future of the city.”
PERMANENT STEPS MUST BE TAKEN
Dr. İsrafil Kuralay also emphasized that permanent steps must be taken to solve Istanbul’s traffic problem, stating, “Although projects such as the bridges, Marmaray, and the Eurasia Tunnel are monumental works on a global scale, the current situation requires more fundamental solutions. On behalf of Istanbul Ticaret University, I would like to express that we will always support such meetings and research.”
OUR UNIVERSITY TRANSFERS ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE TO THE FIELD
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, emphasized the importance of producing permanent and innovative solutions to Istanbul’s transportation problems, stating, “As Istanbul Commerce University, we contribute to Istanbul’s transportation problems through our academic studies in areas such as urban and regional planning, transportation systems, and logistics management. We transfer our university’s knowledge base to the field and support the creation of sustainable transportation policies through public and private sector partnerships.”
CONCRETE STEPS CAN BE TAKEN IN SHORT TERM
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı also emphasized that concrete steps could be taken in the short term to solve Istanbul’s traffic problems, stating, “At the very least, lanes could be designated to create priority routes for commercial taxis, buses, and vehicles carrying three passengers. This way, by increasing travel capacity, it is possible to reduce the number of cars, which occupy 85 percent of the space.”
THE PANELISTS SHARED THEIR PROPOSED SOLUTIONS ACROSS TWO SESSIONS
In the first panel session of the program, experts from public and local administrations shared information about Istanbul traffic. In the session moderated by Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı, Dr. Yalçın Eyigün, General Director of Infrastructure Investments at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, stated in his speech that transportation projects are among the strategic investments shaping Istanbul’s future, and that efforts to expand rail systems and strengthen transportation infrastructure aim to improve the quality of life in the city. Murat Baştor, Director General of Transportation Services Regulation at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, stated, “Regulations on the use of micro-mobility vehicles in Istanbul aim to create a safe transportation infrastructure. Sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in road transport are among the priorities of our ministry.”
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS POSE A RISK
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Gürkan Akgün stated that the integration of public transportation systems and sustainable transportation plans are priority goals in Istanbul, adding, “Plans are in place to create low-emission zones in the historic peninsula and key areas.” The Director of Traffic at the General Directorate of Security, Muhittin Ayhan, stated, “The increase in motorcycle accidents poses a serious threat to traffic safety, and a comprehensive action plan is being prepared in this regard.” Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Transportation Department Head Barış Yıldırım stated that while 7 million vehicles take to the roads daily in Istanbul, the number of movements in the city reaches 34-35 million. Prof. Dr. Halit Özen added, “Approximately 50% of journeys in Istanbul are made on foot, and this ratio is a critical factor for the sustainability of the city’s transportation system.”
THE 3K FORMULA AND AN EMPHASIS ON COORDINATION FOR ISTANBUL’S TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS
At the end of the panel, Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı shared the closing statement. Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı emphasized the importance of the “Staff, Resources, and Coordination [Kadro, Kaynak, Koordinasyon (3K)]” formula in solving Istanbul’s transportation problems. Stating that central and local governments must work in close coordination to effectively implement transportation investments, Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı emphasized that it is imperative to establish a General Directorate of Transportation to ensure unified management of transportation and to enact a Public Transportation Law. Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı stated that the data obtained at the workshop would be compiled into a book by Istanbul Commerce University and shared with relevant institutions.
The event concluded with the presentation of participation plaques to attendees and a group photo session.
