There is now transportation by sea in Bursa.

Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has launched the long-awaited urban sea transportation in the city, ‘Gulf Ferries’, starting from Mudanya. Stating that Bursa is one of the most beautiful cities living by the sea, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey said, ‘We had dreamed of these voyages. Now they have become a reality. Today, the voyages will be free of charge. We want the people of Bursa to embrace the gulf ferries.’ With a total coastline of 277 kilometers along the sea and lakes, Bursa, aiming to highlight its coastal city feature and to receive the share it deserves from tourism, has put an important project into practice by revealing its transportation vision. Despite being talked about for years, urban sea transportation has been realized with the ‘Gulf Ferries’ project. With the voyages to be carried out by BURULAŞ between Mudanya-Tirilye and Mudanya-Gemlik-Kumla, citizens will be able to enjoy the sea and save time while traveling. The sea transportation, to be done with modern boats with a capacity of 458 passengers, will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The opening ceremony held at Mudanya BUDO Pier was attended by Mayor Mustafa Bozbey of the Metropolitan Municipality, CHP Bursa Deputies Nurhayat Altaca Kayışoğlu, Hasan Öztürk, and Orhan Sarıbal, CHP Provincial Chairman Nihat Yeşiltaş, Mudanya Mayor Deniz Dalgıç, Gemlik Mayor Şükrü Deviren, Karacabey Mayor Fatih Karabatı, BURULAŞ General Manager Fahrettin Beşli, Metropolitan Municipality bureaucrats, council members, members of the tradesmen organizations, muhtars, and citizens.
Starting his speech at the ceremony, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality stated that they were pleased to fill an important gap. Mayor Bozbey mentioned that they brought up this issue in 2019 and received a lot of demand for gulf ferries during the election process. Expressing his belief that there will be economic mobility in both districts and that the tradesmen will be happy with this project, Mayor Bozbey emphasized the natural beauties of Bursa as one of the most beautiful cities living by the sea. Mayor Bozbey also highlighted the significance of the coasts and emphasized the beauty of the city.
Explaining that the gulf ferries will embrace the people of Bursa with the blue of the sea and the green of nature, Mayor Bozbey stated that they will host both local and foreign tourists in these areas. Mayor Bozbey announced their plans to start metrobus services between Geçit and Mudanya soon, emphasizing that these services will make gulf voyages even more meaningful. Mayor Bozbey emphasized that they aim to continue the service by increasing the number of days and hours by responding to the demands of the residents.
Mayor Bozbey underlined that the gulf ferries will be free of charge today, expressing that they put effort into ensuring that every citizen benefits equally from these beauties. He evaluated this project, which is a reflection of social democratic municipal understanding, as a step taken for a Bursa full of peace, happiness, and smiles. Mayor Bozbey thanked those who contributed to the realization of the project and stated that they will showcase the distinctiveness of Bursa by providing the best service.
CHP Provincial Chairman Nihat Yeşiltaş mentioned that they set out to rebuild Bursa, starting to weave a city where the people of Bursa will be happy and peaceful. He wished the gulf ferries to be beneficial for the city, emphasizing that Mayor Mustafa Bozbey’s dreams and projects will rebuild the city.
Bursa Deputy Nurhayat Altaca Kayışoğlu expressed that despite having a large coastline, Bursa could not benefit from the beauties of the sea. She found the gulf ferries very valuable and meaningful, thanking those who contributed to its realization.
Bursa Deputy Hasan Öztürk thanked Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and his team for providing the opportunity to discover the sea, which is one of the most important values of the city. He expressed that the gulf ferries will add value to Bursa.
Mudanya Mayor Deniz Dalgıç stated that they started their journey with the principle of taking care of the city and emphasized the importance of the gulf ferries in this regard. He thanked Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and his team for their efforts.
Gemlik Mayor Şükrü Deviren expressed that the realization of this service carries great significance for the people of Gemlik. He expressed their support for the project and wished it to be beneficial.
Karacabey Mayor Fatih Karabatı emphasized the importance of gulf transportation and expressed their desire for the ferry services to reach Karacabey, which has a coastline of 40 kilometers.
After the speeches, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and protocol members cut the opening cake and ribbon, and then boarded the ship that started the gulf ferries. Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, wearing a captain’s hat, moved to the Captain’s Cabin and started the first tour of the gulf ferries by sounding the ship’s siren.