Istanbul's first water taxis, a new service provided by the Istanbul Ferry Lines (IDO), will begin operating today.

- 21 / 05 / 2008 08:44

Istanbul's first water taxis, a new service provided by the Istanbul Ferry Lines (IDO), will begin operating today, a statement released by IDO said yesterday.

The water taxi project -- planned to help relieve Istanbul's heavy traffic -- is being coordinated by the Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME).

When the project is fully realized, İstanbulites will be able to request water taxis to meet them at any of the docks and travel in less time.

The water taxis will first operate between Beylerbeyi-Ortakoy, Kalamis-Bebek and Cengelkoy-Besiktas, with plans to expand later.

Clients will be able to call water taxis by calling or sending a text message.

A text message request will receive a confirmation message with information on the exact arrival time of the water taxi as well as the price of the trip.

Clients will be able to pay for the fare with their credit card.

Water taxis are a common means of public transportation in New York, Australia, New Zealand, Venice and Rotterdam.

Istanbul's water taxis will be the first in the world to operate on demand and to provide individual service.

About water taxis

Water taxis are 10 to 12 meters in length and four to five meters in width. They are able to travel at 18 knots.

Water taxis have a passenger capacity of 10 in addition to the operator.

They are a safe means of transport and employ advanced technology to assist the operator in maneuvering the vessel.