Tickets sold out at the 15th of July Democracy Bus Terminal before the Feast of Sacrifice

Before the Feast of Sacrifice, citizens who wanted to travel to their hometowns caused a congestion at the 15th of July Democracy Bus Station. Despite additional trips, it was reported that tickets were sold out in many bus companies. With the start of the Feast of Sacrifice holiday, a congestion occurred at the Esenler 15th of July Democracy Bus Station. Citizens had difficulty in buying tickets at bus companies. The congestion that started in the morning at the bus station increased towards noon and evening. Most companies started arranging additional trips after tickets were sold out. Speaking about the holiday congestion and the 20% discount for retirees, the Deputy Secretary General of the Turkey Bus Operators Federation (TOFED) Board Member, Musa Çaktır, said, ‘It was an expected congestion. As in every holiday, there is quite a crowd this holiday as well. The extension of the holiday has increased this congestion. We are experiencing a great intensity at the moment. Citizens buy their tickets 2-3 months in advance. When the occupancy rates are high, we arrange additional trips. Tickets cannot be found. They should get information about additional trips from the companies they go to.’ Making statements about the ticket discount for retired citizens, Çaktır said, ‘The sector is going through a very difficult period. Nevertheless, we are in favor of retirees traveling cheaply. Because we are talking about 16 million people. There should be regulations regarding the proportion of retirees that should be on a bus. It is very difficult for us to provide discounts to all 40 retirees on a bus. When inspections are carried out, our companies are fined excessively. This situation should also be taken into consideration. We are facing an unprepared system. Hopefully, we will be happy to provide discounts in the future. If newly purchased tickets prove that the person is a retiree, we provide the discount. All retirees can benefit from this discount.’