Istanbul app-based taxi licensing initiative

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) is implementing a new transportation model to address the city’s “taxi crisis and passenger selection issues.” This initiative involves auctioning app-based taxi licenses that prohibit drivers from picking up passengers on the street or at taxi stands, requiring them to operate exclusively through mobile applications.

On October 13, 2026, the municipality is scheduled to launch its tenth auction for the ‘App-Based Taxi Model,’ offering 250 new licenses. These rights are granted to individuals for a 29-year term, with an estimated base value of 6,376,000 TL plus VAT per right. To qualify, applicants must be real persons residing in Istanbul, aged between 22 and 69, and holding at least a Class B driver's license. Each participant is permitted to bid for only a single license.

The upcoming auction will utilize a closed bidding process, where the top three bidders for each license will proceed to a subsequent auction phase.

Unlike traditional taxis, these vehicles will utilize digital calls, digital taximeters, and a centralized supervision mechanism to ensure transparent pricing, service quality, and passenger safety. The system will be subject to oversight by the IBB and UKOME. To date, 691 app-based taxi plates have been auctioned, resulting in 652 signed contracts and 615 vehicles currently in operation.