As the taxi-related downside continues to plague Istanbulites, transport methods specialists have come ahead with recommendations to handle the virtually limitless ordeal confronted by commuters within the metropolis, the place roughly 19,000 taxis are in service.
One of probably the most prevalent points reported by clients is the problem to find obtainable taxis, they usually usually complain of drivers “choosing passengers and distance” as per their comfort.
According to information from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Transport Department, there are roughly 837 individuals per taxi within the metropolis, a stark distinction to figures in different main cities like Paris with 366 individuals per taxi, New York with 309 and Singapore with 207. Additionally, a big 59.53% of the 44,000 complaints made to the IBB up to now seven months are associated to drivers’ route and passenger selections.
Professor Halit Özen from Yıldız Technical University (YTU) highlighted two potential options to alleviate the taxi demand problem. He advised that both taxi fares ought to be elevated, or the provision of taxis augmented. One strategy to improve the provision and cut back demand, in keeping with Özen, is thru the enlargement of digital methods offering taxi providers. However, he emphasised on the necessity for correct authorized rules to keep away from conflicts with current legal guidelines, notably regarding information privateness and confidentiality of passengers and repair suppliers.
Özen confused the essential roles that taxi service suppliers, taxi rooms, transport items of metropolitan municipalities, and related ministries play in regulating and inspecting the taxi trade. He additionally proposed that initiating base taxi charges and modification as per zones may result in higher administration of demand in numerous areas. He identified that the very best demand for taxis is concentrated in central business areas like Taksim, Bakırköy and Kadıköy.
Professor Hüseyin Murat Çelik from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) additionally highlighted the scarcity of taxis in Istanbul, asserting that rising the variety of taxis is a viable resolution. However, Çelik expressed issues about IBB’s proposed mannequin, stating that it may result in unfair competitors and hinder the effectiveness of their efforts. He cited the necessity for a taxi license plate tender as a extra sensible and environment friendly resolution to the issue.
Drawing from experiences in different cities like Izmir and Ankara, Çelik advised increasing the taxi software program methods as a helpful step towards resolving the difficulty.
Addressing earlier experiences, Çelik famous that the info from 2020, which indicated a adequate taxi fleet on the time, is now not legitimate on account of modifications led to by the pandemic. He urged swift motion to handle the present want for taxis within the metropolis.
As the taxi downside persists, Istanbul’s Metropolitan Municipality is urged to contemplate professional recommendation and take well timed measures to make sure a extra environment friendly and accessible taxi service for residents.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
