Public transport unites in Turkey

The concluding event of the KAVSAK – Turkey Sustainable Urban Transport Network project – was held in Ankara on 16 January 2024.

Initiated in 2020 as part of the Civil Society Tool and Media – Civil Society Networks and Platforms Support Programme, funded by the European Union, the project was executed under the coordination of WRI Turkey, in collaboration with the Active Living Association, UCLG-MEWA, UITP, and YADA.

The primary objective of the KAVSAK network is to forge a coalition among institutions and organisations engaged in urban transport, spanning the public and private sectors, academia, media, and notably, non-governmental organisations.

The network endeavours to formulate national policy recommendations by fostering collaborative strategies for sustainable, safe, and equitable transport within Turkey’s cities.

KAVSAK, which translates to ‘intersection’, signifies the convergence of diverse stakeholders and interests in the realm of urban mobility.

From 15-18 January 2024, the project team comprising Çiğdem Çörek Öztaş (WRI Turkey), Feyzullah Gündoğdu (UITP), Sedrettin Konuk (UCLG-MEWA), and Yasemen Güray Karataş (Active Living Association) conducted institutional visits, introducing partner institutions’ areas of activity.

The key outcomes of the project, including the “Turkey Sustainable Urban Transport Guide” and the “White Paper on Urban Transport in Turkey”, were presented to pertinent decision-makers, and the progress was assessed during these meetings.

Engagements were held with various entities including:

• Delegation of the European Union to Turkey
• Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure: General Directorate of Transportation Services Regulation
• Union of Municipalities of Turkey
• Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources: Department of Energy Efficiency and Environment
• Ministry of Environment
• Urbanisation and Climate Change: General Directorate of Local Governments and Smart Cities Department
• Presidential Strategy Department: Department of Transportation and Logistics
• Ministry of Family and Social Services: Department of Accessibility