In major cities, minibus fares have been increased due to the coronavirus. Minibus drivers requested a fare increase after new passenger-carrying rules were introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19. Drivers in İzmir reported that they are operating at half capacity and asked for higher fares; as a result, a 25% increase was applied to minibus tariffs.
Drivers Requested It — a 25% Fare Increase Was Implemented
As the country implemented many measures to control the coronavirus, one of the rules required minibuses to carry only half of their usual passenger capacity. This restriction drew objections from minibus drivers, who said operating with 50% capacity caused financial losses. In İzmir, drivers transporting passengers across the city stated they were running at half capacity and asked for a tariff increase to offset their losses.
Authorities approved the request and applied a 25% increase to minibus fares. On average, this adjustment raised fares by approximately 1 TL. Officials have indicated that this temporary fare hike will be reverted to the previous rates once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted.