The new metrobus line map, eagerly awaited by millions of passengers in Istanbul, has finally been announced. What is particularly striking for us is that this update brings significant changes to urban transportation. However, the new regulation announced by İETT increases not only the line routes but also the number of stops. This expansion of the metrobus network, one of the most heavily used public transportation systems in our city, includes significant innovations that will directly affect our daily lives. In this article, we will examine all the details of the updated metrobus system and the newly added stops for you.
IMM Announced New Metrobus Map
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has made significant updates to its comprehensive metrobus network. The metrobus system, which operates on the east-west axis, is a 52-kilometer-long transportation network with 44 stations.
Major Changes to the Map
In the new regulation of IMM, the 'White Road' application that offers comfortable travel on the metrobus route CevizliBağ-Yenibosna has been completed. In addition, renovation work is starting on the Zincirlikuyu-Şehit Mustafa Cambaz and Beylikdüzü Son Durak-İBB Social Facilities routes of the line. A total of 42 kilometers of two-way road will be removed and covered with the 'White Road'.
A total of 58 kilometers of metrobus roads on the European side will be permanently renewed with concrete material. Thanks to this renewal, there will be no deterioration or deformation on the metrobus line for 21 years. A particularly striking point is that the maintenance work carried out twice a year will no longer be necessary.
Locations of Newly Added Stops
The Metrobus system currently has 7 stops in total, 37 on the Anatolian Side and 44 on the European Side. With the new arrangement, important transfer points are listed as follows:
- Metro Connections: Uzuncayir, Altunizade, Zincirlikuyu, Mecidiyekoy, Caglayan, Merter, Zeytinburnu, Incirli, Bahcelievler, Sirinevler and Yenibosna stations
- Marmaray Connections: Söğütlüçeşme and Küçükçekmece stations
- Tram Connections: Ayvansaray-Eyüp Sultan, Edirnekapı, Topkapı, CevizliBağ and Zeytinburnu stations
In addition, the front signs of metrobus vehicles now say Beylikdüzü, Avcılar, CevizliThe final stations where the vehicle will go have started to be written, including Bağ, Zincirlikuyu and Söğütlüçeşme. With the announcements and the measures taken by all its units, IMM will ensure that Istanbulites do not experience any problems in transportation.
How was the Metrobus Network Expanded?
The development process of the Metrobus system was a significant turning point in Istanbul's public transportation network. The construction of the system took place in four different stages, and each stage increased the city's transportation capacity.
New Line Lengths and Distances
The Metrobus network currently provides service on a total length of 52 kilometers. The line lengths are arranged as follows:
- Avcılar – Zincirlikuyu 30 kilometers (travel time 60 minutes)
- Avcılar – Söğütlüçeşme 42 kilometers (travel time 80 minutes)
- Beylikdüzü – Söğütlüçeşme 40 kilometers (travel time 100 minutes)
- Beylikduzu – Cevizli29 kilometers between the vineyards (travel time 60 minutes)
Completion Process of Construction Works
Construction work began in May 2006. The first stage was opened between Topkapı and Küçükçekmece on September 17, 2007 and extended to Avcılar on October 12. The second stage, the Topkapı – Zincirlikuyu line, entered service on September 8, 2008. In the third stage, the Zincirlikuyu – Söğütlüçeşme connection was completed over the July 3 Martyrs Bridge on March 2009, 15. Finally, on July 19, 2012, the system was extended to Beylikdüzü Sondurak.
Details of Capacity Increase
Today, the metrobus fleet has reached a significant capacity. In the system:
- 165 Mercedes-Benz CapaCity with a capacity of 249 people
- 160 Mercedes-Benz Conecto with a capacity of 217 people
- 220 Otokar Kent XL with a capacity of 120 people
- 289 Akia Ultra LF 60 with a capacity of 25 people
With this, an average daily passenger carrying capacity of 800.000 has been reached. In addition, a new vehicle purchase contract was signed on September 15, 2021, in order to rejuvenate the fleet. Moreover, the integration of new technological infrastructure continues to increase the efficiency of the system.
Which Regions Will the New Stops Serve?
The new stops of the Metrobüs system offer a comprehensive transportation network to the developing residential areas of Istanbul. The system, which consists of a total of 44 stations, serves with 7 stops on the Anatolian Side and 37 stops on the European Side.
Access to New Residential Areas
Beykent Metrobus Station stands out as an important transportation hub in western Istanbul. Especially for the residents of Beylikdüzü, Avcılar and Büyükçekmece, the centrally located station provides easy access to surrounding residential areas. In addition, the newly organized metrobus system allows passengers to reach a daily transportation capacity of 1 million people.
Thanks to the new arrangements in Mecidiyeköy, the metrobus line and the metro station are being fully integrated. Passengers will now be able to get off the metrobus and transfer directly to the metro. In addition, a new 8-meter wide pedestrian underpass will be built under the existing underpass, providing an uninterrupted connection between the Transfer Center-Metrobus Station-Metro Station.
Connection Points and Transfer Opportunities
Important transfer points in Istanbul's public transportation system are listed as follows:
- Metro Connections:
- M1 Line: Merter, Zeytinburnu, Incirli, Bahcelievler, Sirinevler and Yenibosna
- M2 Line: Mecidiyeköy, Zincirlikuyu and Gayrettepe
- M4 Line: Uzuncayir and Unalan
- M5 Line: Altunizade
- M7 Line: Mecidiyekoy
Moreover, Marmaray connections are provided from Söğütlüçeşme and Küçükçekmece stations, while tram lines are provided from Ayvansaray-Eyüp Sultan, Edirnekapı, Topkapı, CevizliTransfers can be made from Bağ and Zeytinburnu stations.
All stations except Uzunçayır, Acıbadem, Altunizade, Burhaniye Mahallesi, Halıcıoğlu, Ayvansaray – Eyüpsultan, Bayrampaşa – Maltepe, Merter, Beşyol and Küçükçekmece stations have been designed to be accessible to the disabled. On the other hand, in order to facilitate access to the service for pedestrians and wheelchair users in the surrounding settlements, the aim of establishing a strong connection with the immediate surroundings is observed in the planning and design of the metrobus stations.
How was the System Improved?
Comprehensive improvements are being made in the Metrobus system in terms of security and technology. Metro Istanbul has begun to implement world-class security and safety measures.
New Technological Infrastructure Integration
Important technological innovations in the system are noteworthy. Thanks to the Istanbul Network Management Control Center (İAYKM), the entire metrobus network can be monitored from a single center. In addition, the new generation electric metrobuses are designed with 295 kWh power and zero emissions.
A particularly striking innovation is that the vehicles can reach a range of 80 kilometers on a single charge and travel 20 kilometers with just 50 minutes of charging. Moreover, the new metrobuses have advanced technological equipment such as 360-degree panoramic imaging and lane tracking assistant.
The new system saves approximately 100 million TL in fuel per 2.5 thousand kilometers and prevents 300 thousand kg of carbon dioxide emissions annually. In addition, real-time bus information, density estimates and route changes are presented to passengers via digital screens at stops.
Increase in Security Measures
Metro Istanbul's security system consists of three main elements:
- Uniformed and plainclothes security guards at stations
- 24-hour real-time monitoring with high-tech cameras
- Magnetic card entry system and emergency response teams
Security personnel prevent flammable, explosive and combustible materials from entering the system by conducting body searches and bag checks with detectors. Security units working in coordination with the Istanbul Police Department are supported by plainclothes and official police officers.
Special teams are on duty for rapid response in emergencies. Station managers, maintenance teams and other personnel constantly monitor the areas they are responsible for. In addition, drills and training are organized at certain periods.
According to a study, additional measures are being taken to increase the perception of safety, especially among female passengers. The lighting systems of the stops are being strengthened and special attention is being paid to the training of security personnel. In addition, the aim is to make urban transportation safer within the scope of the local equality action plan adopted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2019.
When Will the Changes Come into Effect?
The implementation process of the new metrobus system is progressing in line with the detailed planning of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In particular, the test drives and infrastructure works of the electric metrobuses are drawing attention.
Phased Transition Plan
IMM is gradually implementing changes to the metrobus system. The work, which continues uninterruptedly in shifts, will be completed in 120 days. The stations where concrete is poured will remain closed for 36 hours on the work route and the metrobus will bypass these stations in one direction.
Road renovation works will proceed in the following stages:
- European side: The section between IBB Social Facilities and Sefaköy
- Anatolian side: Current metrobus line route
- Central Lines: CevizliBağ-Yenibosna section completed
Test Drives and Pilot Applications
Test drives of fully electric, environmentally friendly and high-tech metrobuses in cooperation with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Metro Istanbul April 1 2025 After the installation and preliminary tests at Edirnekapı Garage, test drives of the vehicles on the metrobus line have begun.
Within the scope of test drives:
- Day and night passenger tests
- Loaded tests when there is no traffic
- Performance measurements are carried out in different weather conditions
In addition, the new electric metrobuses provide fuel savings of 100 million lira per 2.5 thousand kilometers. In addition, these vehicles will prevent 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Full Capacity Work Schedule
According to the schedule announced by İETT, the metrobus system will provide uninterrupted service 24 hours a day. The frequency of trips will be increased during peak hours and regular trips will be made every half hour or one hour between 01.00:05.30 and XNUMX:XNUMX at night.
Important dates in the new regulation:
January 16, 2025: Decisions taken at the UKOME meeting were announced January 18, 2025: New tariff application has started January 29, 2025: Yenibosna Metrobus Station overpass work has started.
IMM will ensure that Istanbulites do not experience any transportation problems with the announcements and measures taken by all its units. Construction work will be accelerated in Istanbul traffic, which has eased especially with the closure of schools.
The new system aims to bring rail system standards to the metrobus line. In this direction, the 420-passenger electric metrobuses will prevent noise pollution in the city with their silent operation feature. In addition, the garage tests of the new vehicles have been completed and test drives on the line are continuing.
As a result, these comprehensive changes in IETT's metrobus system will significantly strengthen Istanbul's public transportation network. In particular, the new system, which will provide service with a 52-kilometer line length and 44 stations, will reach a daily passenger carrying capacity of 1 million. In addition, thanks to the environmentally friendly electric metrobuses, 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions will be prevented annually and significant savings will be made in fuel costs.
In addition, the increase in security measures and technological infrastructure innovations will enable passengers to travel more comfortably and safely. Thus, the metrobus system, which provides uninterrupted transportation on the east-west axis of Istanbul, will transform into a world-class public transportation network with the innovations to be completed in 2025.
Questions and Answers
Q1. How long is the new metrobus line in Istanbul and how many stops does it have? The new metrobus line is 52 kilometers long and has 44 stops, 7 of which are on the Anatolian Side and 37 on the European Side.
Q2. What is the daily passenger capacity of the new metrobus system? The new metrobus system is designed to have a daily average passenger transport capacity of 1 million.
Q3. What will be the environmental contribution of electric metrobuses? Thanks to the new electric metrobuses, 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions will be prevented annually and approximately 100 million TL of fuel will be saved per 2.5 thousand kilometers.
Q4. How is security ensured in the Metrobus system? The system is protected by uniformed and plainclothes security guards, 24-hour camera surveillance, magnetic card entry system and emergency response teams. In addition, regular security checks and staff training are carried out.
Q5. When will the new metrobus system start operating at full capacity? The new system is being implemented in stages. Test drives of electric metrobuses will begin on April 1, 2025, and then they will be fully operational. The system is planned to provide uninterrupted service 24 hours a day.
