İstanbul to Introduce 24/7 Ferry Services

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Flickr

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İstanbul's ferries will run on a 24-hour basis if the plan gets approved by the city council, the municipality's marine transport company has announced.

They work to increase the share of marine transport to 10 percent in İstanbul, City Lines Director Sinem Dedetaş told the İBB TV, the municipality's online broadcaster. She noted that they introduced 24/7 ferry services for Princes' Islands in September.

She said that preparations for 24/7 service have been completed and they are waiting for the decision of the council.

The City Lines also plans to use electric ferries, Dedetaş adding, admitting that they have "fallen behind" other countries regarding this issue.

"The issue of electric boats is one of the issues that the Ministry of Industry and Technology also emphasizes. The City Lines undertook the coordination in the projects carried out by the Ministry.

"Electric boats will have a positive impact on our economy and the environment as they have no fuel cost."

The City Lines had 42.5 million passengers in 2019, with a five percent increase from the previous year, she informed, adding that it has 700 staff members and ferries operating on 21 lines.

The municipality also introduced 24/7 metro services in August. (EKN/VK)