Istanbul to introduce dedicated bus lanes as a measure to reduce traffic congestion
Istanbul, the world's most congested city with over 16 million residents, is taking significant steps to address its chronic traffic problems. The city is currently in the process of implementing a major bus priority lane project, which aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of the public transportation system.
The plan involves the construction of 120 kilometers of dedicated bus lanes, with 80 kilometers already identified and project design underway as of mid-2025. A pilot route is expected to launch this year to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of these lanes in speeding up public transportation and easing traffic jams.
The bus priority lanes will be integrated across various parts of Istanbul, allowing buses to bypass regular traffic, especially during peak hours. The goal is to enhance the reliability of bus travel, reduce waiting and travel times, and alleviate overcrowding at bus stops. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the municipality to improve urban mobility in a city where drivers spent an average of 105 hours annually stuck in traffic in 2024, according to global studies.
In addition to bus priority lanes, Istanbul is exploring complementary measures such as congestion pricing in dense areas and low-emission zones targeting polluting vehicles. The congestion pricing plan may potentially expand to other busy areas such as Kadıköy and Beyoğlu. The low-emission zones are intended to further reduce traffic volume and improve air quality.
It's worth noting that Istanbul already operates a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Metrobus system that uses separated lanes on some corridors. The new project significantly expands dedicated bus lanes citywide to increase the efficiency of the public bus network.
Authorities expect that the introduction of bus priority lanes will make bus travel a more reliable option, contributing to smoother urban mobility in Istanbul. The project is a significant step towards tackling congestion, with the ultimate goal of reducing the time spent in traffic and improving the quality of life for Istanbul's residents.
The bus priority lanes project, extending across 120 kilometers in Istanbul, will not only enhance the reliability of bus travel for its millions of residents, but also integrate with the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Metrobus system to increase the efficiency of public transportation. Additionally, the city is considering complementary measures such as congestion pricing in dense areas, and low-emission zones for polluting vehicles, as part of a broader strategy to improve urban mobility, particularly in the finance sector, as reducing traffic congestion can have a positive impact on the local economy.
