Istanbul is addressing its long-standing taxi crisis with the introduction of a new app-based taxi system and a significant increase in the number of taxis.
In a city with approximately 16 million residents, complaints against taxi drivers have been rampant, particularly regarding route refusals, overcharging tourists, and denying short-distance rides.
The new system, which has been supported by both the municipality and the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, aims to curb these issues and provide a more reliable transportation experience for both locals and tourists.
The Istanbul municipal council recently approved the implementation of an app-based taxi system by a majority vote, following 15 previous failed attempts to increase the number of taxis. The new initiative, set to initially roll out 2,500 vehicles, will allow passengers to hail taxis via an app, bypassing the need to flag down traditional taxis on the street. These new taxis will not have the conventional rooftop light and will only pick up passengers through licensed apps or designated taxi stands, making the service more structured and predictable.
Designed with a checkered pattern and equipped with a security partition, the new taxis will stand out from the existing fleet. The app-based system is also expected to enhance service quality and improve the public’s perception of taxi drivers by reducing the potential for overcharging and route manipulation. “After working alongside all sides, we are on the brink of both increasing the number of taxis and implementing a new taxi system,” stated Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
However, this initiative faces skepticism from the Istanbul Taxi Drivers’ Chamber. Eyüp Aksu, the head of the chamber, argued that simply increasing the number of taxis won’t solve Istanbul’s transportation problems. He emphasized the need to address the city’s severe traffic congestion, stating, “If traffic congestion rises by 94 percent during morning and evening hours, and if what used to be a 15-minute ride now takes an hour and a half, increasing the number of taxis won’t solve the problem.”
The new regulations also aim to tackle the persistent issue of taxi scams targeting tourists. Complaints against drivers who charge inflated fares to foreign visitors have been a common occurrence. A new tactic has emerged at Istanbul Airport where taxi drivers claim that their credit card payment machines are out of order, insisting on cash payments instead. When travelers don’t have enough cash, the drivers take them to an ATM to withdraw money, often resulting in high transaction fees and commissions for foreign tourists. Visitors are advised to confirm the payment method with the driver before getting into the taxi to avoid such scams.
The Istanbul municipality recorded around 72,000 complaints related to taxis in 2023 alone, reflecting the urgency of reform in this sector. In response to this, two officials disclosed to Bloomberg that authorities are drafting legislation to increase the number of taxis in Istanbul by 73%, bringing the total to approximately 32,000. Currently, the city has one taxi for every 861 residents. With the proposed increase, this ratio is expected to improve to one taxi per 500 residents, making it easier to hail a ride.
The upcoming changes are expected to pave the way for a more corporate and organized taxi transportation system, where passengers can enjoy safer and more reliable rides. Authorities believe that by regulating the system more strictly and incorporating technology, they can better control driver behavior and ensure fair treatment for all passengers.
