Breaking News: New Rule for Commercial Taxis Starts Tonight! According to an announcement from the Ministry of Interior, a new regulation for commercial taxis will take effect tonight at 00:01. Under the decision applied in our three largest provinces, commercial taxis will be allowed on the road according to the last digit of their license plate. This measure, taken as part of precautions against the coronavirus, begins at 00:01 tonight. Per the directive, taxis with odd final plate digits will operate one day (24 hours), and those with even final digits will operate the next day (24 hours). The system alternates—one day odd-numbered plates, the next day even-numbered plates.
Health authorities emphasize that the coronavirus spreads primarily through physical contact and airborne transmission. The Ministry has issued a circular advising that the most effective measures are reducing physical contact, limiting social mobility, and ensuring social isolation. If social isolation cannot be achieved, the spread of the virus will accelerate. This would lead to higher mortality and severe disruption of community life.
Contents of the Circular for Commercial Taxis
The circular issued for commercial taxis explains that, given the current global situation and following recommendations from the Ministry of Health and the Scientific Board, these measures aim to increase effectiveness and prevent further spread of the virus. To protect public health and maintain public order, the following precautions have been implemented.
From Monday, March 30, 2020 at 00:01 until Monday, March 30, 2020 at 24:00 — commercial taxis whose license plates end with an odd digit will be permitted to operate.
From Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 00:01 until Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 24:00 — commercial taxis whose license plates end with an even digit will be permitted to operate.
This alternating system—one day odd, one day even—will continue starting from Monday, March 30, 2020. Initially applied in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, the measure may be extended to other provinces if needed.