Private public buses and minibus unions, which do not serve all day long, stated that the sector is facing major problems and demanded that their demands be met.
Speaking to our newspaper on the subject, President of the All Private Public Buses Association (TÖHOB), Ercan Soydaş, stated that the high increases in fuel prices made it difficult for drivers.
"Shutting off the engines was not planned. Our friends came to a point where they could not get fuel. We had to close contacts in order to draw attention to this and to have our demands answered. The cost of a passenger today is 11 lira. We provide student, subscription and free transportation services. Unfortunately, the current situation no longer meets this. We would like to update the transportation charges. Secondly, we want tax-free fuel. Our third request is about free transportation income support. The Ministry of Family and Social Policies has been providing a support of 1,330 liras for free transportation since 2018. However, the cost of this type of transportation is 12,000 liras per month. We want this cost to be covered by half or the application to end. We do public service and we are the only industry that provides free service. Therefore, we insistently emphasize that this sector should be protected. Otherwise, we are rapidly heading towards bankruptcy," he said.