Istanbul SUMP, Istanbul’s first sustainable urban transportation plan, takes an important step to make the city’s transportation system more environmentally friendly, inclusive and resilient. Istanbul Sustainable Urban Transport Plan (SKUp) Phase II – Implementation Plan Project, whose beneficiary is Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, was launched in June 2023. Co-financed by the European Union, the Second Implementation Plan Project is being implemented under the consultancy of GIZ International Services. The project aims to create an accessible, integrated and sustainable transportation network for all Istanbulites in line with the existing structure of Istanbul with a population of over 16 million.

Innovative solutions such as low emission zones, traffic calming efforts, expansion of maritime transportation networks, and new pedestrian and bicycle routes to support public transportation are being implemented in the project. In addition, transportation systems that are resilient to disasters and emergencies are being created. While preserving Istanbul’s cultural and historical richness, SKUp also involves the community in the process, covering all segments of urban life. One of the priorities is to ensure that everyone, especially women, children, people with disabilities and young people, can travel safely in a healthier and more livable city. Within the scope of this project, an Activity Based Model is being developed for Istanbul’s functional urban space. Thanks to this methodology, which is being applied for the first time in the world in a city of this size, feasibility studies for transportation investments in Istanbul will be carried out much more accurately. In addition, an operational and financial plan is being prepared for the projects identified in line with the three main themes within the scope of Istanbul SDUp Phase I. With this plan, it is aimed to finalize Istanbul’s sustainable transportation investments in the short, medium and long term.

Contracting Authority:

The European Union (EU) provides support to countries in the process of accession through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). This financial tool is aimed at helping candidate countries undertake political, institutional, social, and economic reforms to align with EU standards. The Department of EU Investments is responsible for managing the transport sector portion of IPA funds, working within a program approved by the European Commission in terms of both content and financing.

This program, known as the Transport Sectoral Operational Program (USOP), outlines the strategy for EU alignment in the transport sector. It defines priorities, budget allocation, eligible project types, expected measurable outcomes, and strategies for program promotion and visibility.

For nearly two decades, USOP has worked in partnership with the EU to contribute to the development of a competitive, accessible, and sustainable transport system in Türkiye. The program supports various projects across the country with the following objectives:

  • Enhancing the sustainability and safety of the national transport system,
  • Increasing the efficiency of transportation networks,
  • Encouraging a shift from individual transport to sustainable, accessible, and inclusive public transportation at both national and urban levels,
  • Strengthening Türkiye’s integration into the EU transport system by gradually aligning national regulations with EU transport legislation,
  • Supporting the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in efficiently managing EU, national, and international funding in the transport sector.
  • The Istanbul Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP): Phase II – Implementation Plan project is also implemented under the USOP framework.

USOP supports the development of sustainable urban mobility plans in various regions of Türkiye, contributing to the creation of more livable and higher-quality cities. Through these initiatives, it aims to reduce air and noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption, while promoting public health and road safety.

For more information about USOP and related projects, visit https://ipa.uab.gov.tr/ or follow USOP on social media.

Final Beneficiary:

The final beneficiary of the Istanbul SUMP Phase II – Implementation Plan Project is the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). The project is executed by the Department of Transportation and the Transportation Planning Branch Directorate, which is responsible for building a sustainable and accessible urban transport infrastructure.

The directorate is responsible for shaping Istanbul’s transportation vision, developing policies, setting principles and standards, preparing transport master plans, and designing short, medium, and long-term implementation programs. It continuously monitors, evaluates, and updates these plans to ensure their effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Preparing the Transport Master Plan and identifying short, medium, and long-term implementation programs to shape Istanbul’s transport vision,
  • Developing strategies for traffic demand management across the city,
  • Planning parking areas and transfer hubs to facilitate integration between different transport modes,
  • Enhancing pedestrian accessibility and walkability through dedicated planning efforts,
  • Developing plans for micromobility vehicles and parking areas, defining their usage and standards,
  • Planning and implementing bicycle lanes and bicycle parking areas,
  • Assessing the impact of all urban planning and zoning changes on the regional transport system and providing institutional feedback,
  • Establishing a comprehensive urban transport database to support planning and decision-making.

Through these extensive efforts, the Directorate aims to establish a safer, more sustainable, and better-integrated transportation system in Istanbul.

About İstanbul SUMP
What is a Sustainable Urban Transportation Plan?