The Istanbul Governor’s Office issued a last-minute announcement regarding support for healthcare workers. Governor Ali Yerlikaya announced a coordinated effort to provide free taxi rides for medical staff across Istanbul. According to the statement, taxi drivers and related services will offer a total of 12,500 complimentary trips to healthcare professionals. This initiative is part of broader support measures during the days when curfews and movement restrictions are in place.
Governor Yerlikaya clarified that the contribution comes from several organized groups. The Istanbul Taxi Drivers’ Chamber is supplying 300 taxis, while the Istanbul Airport Taxi Cooperative is contributing 50 taxis to the effort. In addition, ride-hailing and payment partners will participate so that, together, the system can provide a cumulative 12,500 free rides to healthcare workers who need transportation while serving during the pandemic.
Governor Ali Yerlikaya Announces Free Taxi Rides for Healthcare Workers
The announcement was shared via Governor Ali Yerlikaya’s official communications channels. He emphasized that the taxi community has stepped forward to deliver meaningful support to medical staff working tirelessly during the coronavirus crisis. The coordinated plan includes vehicle contributions from conventional taxi organizations as well as cooperation with digital platforms and payment providers to ensure broad reach and efficient delivery.
- 300 taxis provided by the Istanbul Taxi Drivers’ Chamber,
- 50 taxis provided by the Istanbul Airport Taxi Cooperative,
These taxi resources, together with partnerships such as ride-hailing and payment platforms, will enable up to 12,500 free journeys for healthcare workers during days when curfew measures are in effect. The effort aims to remove transportation barriers for medical personnel who must travel to and from work under difficult conditions.
The initiative complements other measures intended to protect and support healthcare teams confronting COVID-19. By covering transportation needs, organizers hope to make commuting safer and more reliable for staff working long shifts and responding to emergency needs. All participating organizations stated that the objective is a single, unified outcome: easing the burden on healthcare workers and ensuring they can continue providing critical care without added logistical concerns.
Governor Yerlikaya thanked the taxi drivers, cooperative members, and private-sector partners for their solidarity. He also called on the public to continue following public health guidelines so that collective efforts have the maximum possible impact. While this specific program targets transportation during curfew periods, it forms part of a larger network of supports designed to protect frontline personnel, including access to protective equipment, testing, and other essential services.
By pooling resources—traditional taxi fleets, airport taxi services, digital platforms, and payment partners—the city aims to deliver prompt and practical assistance. The combined 12,500 free trips are intended to reach as many healthcare workers as possible during restricted movement periods, prioritizing those whose duties are critical to public health and emergency response.
This coordinated support highlights how public institutions, local trade organizations, and private companies can collaborate in emergencies. The voluntary contributions of drivers and the logistical support of cooperatives and platforms reflect a shared commitment to help healthcare workers maintain mobility and safety while responding to the pandemic.