Türkiye’s public transportation primarily relies on conventional buses, trams, and metro systems, all of which require human operation. Istanbul and Ankara have extensive metro networks, and Istanbul’s Metrobus system serves as a high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) model. However, no fully automated public transport systems are currently in operation.

Türkiye’s Policy and Development Plans on Automated Transport

Türkiye has incorporated automated transport into its national strategy through various action plans and development initiatives:

• National Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategy Document (2020-2023) highlights the role of connected and autonomous vehicles and the need for advanced data-driven transport solutions.
• The National Transport Master Plan includes a comprehensive model for forecasting transport demand and integrating automation into the country’s broader transport infrastructure.
• The 2020-2023 National Smart Cities Strategy and Action Plan emphasized that the widespread use of autonomous vehicle technologies will directly contribute to smart cities. The increased use of autonomous vehicles in the public transportation system, especially through autonomous buses, is anticipated to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Draft 2024-2030 National Smart Cities Strategy and Action Plan emphasizes that smart cities will directly benefit from the increasing adoption of autonomous vehicle technologies. The plan includes establishing a research and development infrastructure for the use of autonomous vehicle technologies in logistics and determining test areas for autonomous vehicles.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MoIT) is taking significant steps to adapt existing infrastructure for autonomous driving to establish efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly intelligent transportation systems (ITS) powered by domestic resources. Coordinating efforts to enhance urban mobility, MoIT is focused on providing sustainable, eco-conscious, and efficient transportation services. This includes developing policies, regulations, and strategies to integrate the latest technologies and domestic resources into a comprehensive, smart transportation network.

The ongoing aim is to ensure seamless integration of all transportation modes, aligning with the ITS architecture and standards. As part of future initiatives, MoIT plans to convert rail system energy into green energy and upgrade infrastructure for fully autonomous vehicles. Key developments also include vehicle and ride-sharing, micro-mobility options, and legislation for alternative transport modes. Solutions such as congestion pricing, high-occupancy lanes, low-emission zones, and flexible working hours will be explored to tackle congestion. Furthermore, accessibility improvements in transportation will be prioritized, ensuring inclusive mobility for all. The Ministry is expanding the use of blockchain technology in Mobility as a Service (MaaS), data sharing, and logistics services. Regulations for air taxis (VTOL), drones, and other advanced vehicles are also in the pipeline, aiming to foster innovation in transportation by adopting domestic technologies[1].

In addition to transport mode integration, logistics centers will be streamlined to improve transportation operations. Sustainable urban mobility plans will also be implemented across cities. Efforts are underway to promote the use of smart materials, surface coatings, and recycled products to enhance the environmental sustainability of ITS.

International Partnerships in Türkiye’s Transport Sector

Türkiye’s growing interest in autonomous transport is reflected in its collaborations with international partners. Key initiatives include:

• EIT Urban Mobility Program: Istanbul is a core partner in this European initiative, which supports the development of innovative urban mobility solutions. Established in 2021, EIT Urban Mobility RIS Hub Türkiye is carried out under the coordination of Fark Labs – Farplas Automotive, in partnership with Sabancı University and PwC Türkiye.
• Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Türkiye (2020-2023): In partnership with the World Economic Forum, this initiative works on defining regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and aligning them with European Union standards. The World Economic Forum initiated conversations with the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Turkish business community through the Turkish Employers’ Association of Metal Industries (MESS) on anchoring C4IR Türkiye.
• Investments by Global Companies: Major automotive and engineering firms like Mercedes-Benz Türk, Ford Otosan, and AVL Research and Engineering have established R&D centers in Türkiye, focusing on autonomous and hybrid vehicle technologies.

Pilot Studies and Trials in Automated Public Transport

At the “World Smart Cities Congress-2018” hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), the driverless electric vehicle developed by IETT was introduced. The Istanbul Electric Tram and Tunnel Company (IETT), under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), has also developed a self-driving electric MetroBus in 2024 to test autonomous public transport capabilities in cooperation with Metro Istanbul A.Ş. Additionally, IMM has introduced electric metro buses with significant fuel efficiency improvements, setting the stage for future automation efforts.

Currently, the following private-sector developments can be listed for automated vehicle production[2]:

• OTOKAR, a company from the Koç Group, began working on autonomous buses in 2016 with the “Co-Operative Mobility Services of the Future” (CoMoSeF) project, which focused on developing hardware and software for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-device communication. Following this, they accelerated their efforts on driverless buses like e-CENTRO. OTOKAR is currently carrying out a Level 4 autonomous vehicle project.
• TEMSA has been carrying out autonomous vehicle studies since 2015. Türkiye’s first 100% domestically produced Smart Bus, Avenue IBUS by TEMSA, was delivered to Kocaeli University Technopark in 2017. TEMSA, in partnership with ASELSAN, previously developed Türkiye’s first fully electric domestic bus, Avenue EV, which is equipped with advanced technologies. Current autonomous vehicle technology studies are being conducted on 9-meter electric autonomous buses. These vehicles have Level 4 autonomous features.
• Ford Otosan and AVL have successfully completed the first phase of the joint R&D cooperation project “Platooning-Autonomous Convoy.” The project’s results have the potential to reshape truck transportation, increase road safety, and contribute to autonomous driving applications. In addition, Ford Otosan established an R&D center in Eskişehir in 2014. Level 4 autonomous truck tests are being conducted at this center.
• A notable development in Türkiye’s efforts towards automation is the Autonomous e-Atak, an 8-meter driverless electric bus developed by KARSAN in collaboration with ADASTEC. This vehicle has been tested in various European cities and showcases Türkiye’s potential to become a leader in autonomous transit technologies. Karsan, which produces buses with Level 4 autonomous driving technology called e-ATAK, is particularly benefiting from the advantages of cloud technology. The vehicle is 100% electric; thus, the CO2 released into the environment has been minimized.
• Anadolu Isuzu is conducting an autonomous vehicle study in the R&D phase. This study includes autonomous bus studies conducted in a closed campus environment.

Future Trends and Challenges

The future of automated public transport in Türkiye holds great promise but still faces several challenges. The lack of fully driverless systems highlights the need for substantial infrastructure investments and regulatory adjustments. However, the growing adoption of electric buses, ongoing research and development efforts, and international collaborations indicate that Türkiye is positioning itself as a regional leader in smart transportation.

Creating a unified framework for definitions and terminologies, developing short—and long-term programs for autonomous vehicle research, determining the requirements for test permits, and defining the necessary driver and operator requirements, vehicle specifications, reporting requirements, and testing conditions for laboratory, closed-circuit, and public road trials are well needed. Creating a comprehensive legal framework, making regulatory adjustments to the legal infrastructure, and setting up frameworks for criminal responsibility are also prioritized[3].

In the years ahead, Türkiye is expected to expand its pilot projects, integrate more autonomous features into its public transport systems, and refine policies to support the transition to driverless mobility. If these trends continue, Türkiye has the potential to become a leader in automated public transportation in the region, driving advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and urban mobility for millions of citizens.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Turkiye Country Manager Ipek Gulkaya.

[1] https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/bilim-teknoloji/turkiye-akilli-ulasim-yolunda-otonom-surus-teknolojileriyle-ilerleyecek/3059065

[2] Determination of Driving Architecture and Connected Vehicle Traffic Test Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicles Project, Autonomous Vehicles Current Situation Analysis Report, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, December 2024.

[3] Determination of Driving Architecture and Connected Vehicle Traffic Test Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicles Project, Development of Autonomous Vehicle Technologies in Türkiye and Future Projection Report, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, December 2024.