Turkey hikes highway and bridge tolls as minimum wage hike awaits

Toll fees for privately operated highways and bridges in Turkey have been significantly increased, according to the General Directorate of Highways (KGM). The new tariffs, adjusted for various vehicle classes, took effect recently, impacting major crossings such as the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and the Osmangazi Bridge.

For the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, the toll for Class 1 vehicles rose from 995.00 Turkish Lira to 1,170.00 TL. Class 2 vehicles now face a charge of 1,465.00 TL, up from 1,245.00 TL. The highest increase is seen in Class 5 vehicles, with the toll jumping from 3,755.00 TL to 5,560.00 TL. Even motorcycles, classified as Class 6, saw their toll increase from 250.00 TL to 295.00 TL.

Similar substantial hikes were implemented on the Osmangazi Bridge. Class 1 vehicles will now pay 1,170.00 TL, an increase from 995.00 TL. The toll for Class 5 vehicles on this bridge increased from 3,165.00 TL to 3,720.00 TL, and for motorcycles, it rose to 820.00 TL from 695.00 TL.

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge also saw adjusted rates, with Class 1 vehicles now paying 110.00 TL, up from 95.00 TL. Class 5 vehicles on this bridge face a new toll of 860.00 TL, an increase from 740.00 TL. Motorcycles will pay 75.00 TL, up from 65.00 TL.

Notably, toll fees for the 15 Temmuz Şehitler and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges, which are operated by the state, remained unchanged. These increases come at a time when many in Turkey are anticipating potential adjustments to the minimum wage.