Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
“Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu witnessed the test drive of an environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, 420-passenger capacity, 100% electric metrobus. İmamoğlu stated that the test drives have been ongoing for about a month and emphasized their principle of scrutinizing investments thoroughly, considering every penny spent as public money.
The test journey started from Eyüpsultan and ended in Avcılar, with Eyüpsultan District Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen and Avcılar District Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara accompanying İmamoğlu. The mayors witnessed the beginning and end of the journey.
İmamoğlu highlighted the importance of sustainability and durability in such investments, referring to past unfortunate experiences where purchased vehicles were incompatible, unable to climb slopes, and eventually left unused due to lack of spare parts. However, İmamoğlu assured that they are meticulously evaluating all aspects of investments to ensure the best use of public funds.
The 40-meter-long, 4-carriage electric metrobus provides a 60% fuel saving compared to diesel metrobuses, amounting to savings of 2.5 million Turkish lira per 100,000 kilometers. With this investment, IMM aims to prevent 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and reduce noise pollution significantly, thanks to the silent operation of electric metrobuses. The new generation electric metrobus, which allows bidirectional travel, has a passenger capacity of 420, 50% more than the highest capacity vehicle currently in service.
During the test drive, İmamoğlu and his team were greeted by citizens waving hands at metrobus stops, showing their excitement. Some citizens were even invited onto the test vehicle, sharing their opinions about the new bus. At one stop, a young teacher invited İmamoğlu to his wedding on May 26th.
The journey, starting from the Edirnekapı IETT Garage in Eyüpsultan and ending at Avcılar Campus Station, concluded successfully in the presence of journalists.”