The Civil Servant Shuttle Service Is Being Removed. According to information from the Presidential Strategy and Budget Directorate, a change that affects all public-sector employees has been announced: shuttle services provided to public workers will be discontinued. In a letter sent to all public institutions, the Directorate stated that the shuttle system for civil servants will be ended and replaced by the issuance of public transport cards to employees. The letter explains that shuttle services are costly and contribute to air pollution, and instructs institutions not to renew any shuttle service contracts when they expire, instead switching to public transport card programs for staff.
In a related communication from the Budget Directorate, also under the Presidency, institutions were advised that there is no single standard for providing personnel transport. The letter outlined various practices in different institutions, including issuing public transport cards to employees who live within the same city limits, renting vehicles, or using official administrative vehicles to transport staff. These inconsistencies highlighted the need for a unified approach.
In large cities, public transport networks are increasingly operating as integrated systems. Single-card solutions now often cover multiple modes of transport, enabling seamless transfers and greater flexibility for commuters. This integration has improved the convenience of public transport and made it more attractive. At the same time, lower emissions in modern mass transit systems help reduce environmental pollution. For these reasons—reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and cost efficiency—the transition away from private personnel shuttles toward public transport should be encouraged and incentivized.
When Will Civil Servant Shuttle Services End?
When will the shuttle services be removed? The guidance sent to institutions explains how and when the transition from dedicated shuttles to public transport should take place.
The recommendation states that employees’ commutes should shift from private shuttle services to public transport cards for daily travel expenses, as this is expected to use public resources more efficiently. Institutions are advised to implement the change beginning at the end of existing shuttle service contracts and to prefer more effective and economical travel methods for staff commuting to and from work. The importance of issuing public transport tickets or cards to personnel once service contracts expire is emphasized.
In this context, the collective bargaining provisions signed on 28.08.2019 for the 2020–2021 period include several relevant clauses, summarized below:
- Ministries and their affiliated, related, and connected organizations will provide shuttle services for personnel working at central offices to commute to and from work.
- The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) will provide shuttle services for staff working on broadcasts during day-shift handovers.
- The Post and Telegraph Organization (PTT) will provide shuttle services for staff working in metropolitan areas. If shuttle service is found to be uneconomical, commuting will be calculated and employees will be given a monthly public transport card or equivalent payment.
- In provinces classified as metropolitan municipalities, municipal employees and public servants affiliated with metropolitan municipalities will be issued public transport cards to use transit services.
- Personnel working at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) will be provided with shuttle services for commuting; if such services cannot be provided, those employees will receive public transport cards or a monthly transport allowance.
- At the Presidency Communication Directorate’s central organization, employees who do not hold yellow press cards will be provided shuttle services. If shuttle service is not economical, those employees will receive a monthly public transport card.
Overall, the shift reflects a policy preference for integrated, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly public transport solutions. Institutions are being guided to phase out shuttle contracts at their expiration and implement public transport card programs that support both efficient resource use and reduced environmental impact.