CHP candidate Sarıgül vows to bring free transportation to many in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

Mustafa Sarıgül also pledged that public transport would be provided for 24 hours a day if he is elected. AA photo

The main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Istanbul mayoral candidate, Mustafa Sarıgül, has vowed to make public transportation free of charge for students, teachers, disabled people and elderly people in the city.

Speaking at a press conference March 25,  Sarıgül introduced a card titled “Göstergeç” (show and pass), which he said will provide free transport in public buses, tramways, and metro.

He also said public transport would be provided at a 50 percent discount for everyone between 20:30 p.m. and 06.30 a.m. every day.

“Istanbul needs solutions. If elected, we will solve the traffic problem gradually, starting from March 30 [the day of the local elections]. The solution is in the metro and railway system, which we will extend in the city,” said Sarıgül, vowing to increase investment in public transport.

“There are 104,000 teachers and 13,000 university teachers in Istanbul. Transport will be free for teachers and students. We believe they deserve this,” he added.

Sarıgül also repeated his pledge that public transport would be provided for 24 hours a day if he is elected.

Speaking at the same press conference, the CHP head also vowed to provide residence solutions to teachers, saying he would demand only a symbolic payment for teachers’ housing after five years.

“These are the social state’s responsibilities. Serving teachers and students is an investment in our future,” he said.