Istanbul City Lines
The Pitch
Şehir Hatlari (Istanbul City Lines) expanded Istanbul's public transport network by introducing electric-hybrid sea taxis as a means of maritime transportation. The taxis are safer for women, accessible to people with disabilities and reduce emissions from the city’s transportation system.
The Problem
Maritime public transportation is popular in Istanbul but was a large source of carbon emissions. Women felt unsafe using public transportation and used it less than the broader population due to their safety concerns.
The Process
- Introduced electric-hybrid sea taxis to Istanbul’s public transportation network
- Equipped electric-hybrid sea taxis with 10 cameras each (for safety monitoring), a booking mechanism for future trips and accessible infrastructure to accommodate wheelchair users
- Co-created a new regulation for electric-hybrid sea taxis with Istanbul’s public transportation services and incorporated stakeholder feedback
The Impact
- Improved women’s safety and inclusion on and in public transportation
- Increased access to transportation for people with disabilities
- Reduced travel times and costs for residents who would otherwise be waiting in traffic
- Included residents of the Prince’s Islands in Istanbul’s public transportation system: 60% of the trips since the launch of the project are to or from the Prince’s Islands
- Reduced maritime and public transportation emissions
- Was the first step in Istanbul City Line’s larger plan to decarbonize the maritime industry in Istanbul
- Inspired a similar project in Izmir, which has the second largest maritime public transportation volume in Türkiye (after Istanbul)
