Ferry service on Bosphorus' primary transport route comes to an end
The Bosphorus car ferry route, which connects Istanbul's İstinye on the European side and Çubuklu on the Asian side, has ceased operation. The decision to close the ferry service was made by local authorities in Istanbul, citing high operational costs and insufficient revenue as the primary reasons.
The mini ferries, referred to as sea "dolmuş" in Turkish, will now operate on the same timetable as the previous car ferry. These smaller vessels are designed to accommodate a limited number of passengers and are intended to provide a faster, more scenic alternative to the crowded roads and bridges.
Passengers can park their cars at a designated lot near the terminal before boarding the mini ferries. Additional public buses will be added to both terminals to connect passengers to nearby places.
The transition to mini ferries is a response to the financial unsustainability of the car ferry service. The service, which had been operational for eight years, made 46 round trips daily on weekdays between the two shores.
The closure of the ferry route has left some residents frustrated, as the service helped them avoid traffic and save time. However, the mini ferries will provide an alternative option for commuters.
Ferries and sea buses continue to be an essential part of Istanbul's public transport system, connecting its European and Asian districts. The new Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (also known as the Third Bosphorus Bridge) provides a direct and more efficient crossing for vehicles between the two sides, reducing the demand for car ferries on the Bosphorus route.
Despite the closure of the car ferry service, the mini ferries will remain accessible from the existing piers. The bridge infrastructure and connecting bus routes will provide a comprehensive alternative for commuters who previously relied on the car ferry service.
The transit to mini ferries in the Bosphorus car ferry route reflects the industry's financial instability, with the traditional service being financially unsustainable due to high operational costs and insufficient revenue in the finance realm. The mini ferries, serving as a scenic and faster alternative to the overcrowded roads and bridges in transportation, will now operate on the same timetable as the previous car ferry, offering an alternative option for commuters.
