Istanbul’s Public Transport Gains Strength with 150 Karsan ATAK Buses!
- Karsan Signs Contract with IETT for 150 ATAK Buses!
- Karsan Continues Its Strong Growth in Türkiye as Well as in Global Markets!
Playing a pioneering role in the transformation of public transport with its vision of being “One Step Ahead in the Future of Mobility,” Karsan is further strengthening its position in the Turkish market with another major project in Istanbul. A contract has been signed for 150 Karsan ATAK buses under the tender conducted by the Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Operations General Directorate (IETT). With the first deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of January 2027, the project will serve as an important reference for Karsan, bringing the company’s extensive urban public transport experience to the demanding operating conditions of Istanbul – one of the world’s leading metropolises, with its large population and heavy traffic.
Karsan, one of the most established and innovative brands in the Turkish automotive industry, continues to grow with public transport solutions designed to meet the evolving mobility needs of cities. With the contract signed with IETT for 150 ATAK buses, Karsan is now preparing to make a significant contribution to Istanbul’s public transport. With a population of approximately 16 million, high passenger flow, heavy traffic, narrow streets, steep routes and a wide variety of operational requirements across its network, Istanbul is one of the world’s leading metropolises demanding outstanding performance, durability and flexibility from its public transport vehicles. In this respect, the 150-bus IETT project stands out as a strategic milestone that brings Karsan’s experience across diverse cities and operating environments to Türkiye’s largest public transport market.
“We Are Taking Our Strong Position in the Turkish Market Even Further”
Describing the contract with IETT as an important milestone for Karsan, Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu, Karsan Deputy General Manager of Domestic Sales and External Relations, said: “At Karsan, we develop solutions tailored to cities’ evolving needs by drawing on our 60 years of manufacturing experience in public transport, our engineering capabilities and the operational expertise we have gained in cities around the world. With its population, traffic density, road structure, steep routes and diverse service requirements, Istanbul is one of the world’s most important metropolises and presents exceptionally demanding operating conditions for public transport. “For this reason, we consider the contract signed with IETT for 150 ATAK buses not simply as a major vehicle delivery, but as a powerful demonstration of Karsan’s urban public transport experience and product capabilities. As the company that created the 8-meter segment in Türkiye, Karsan is now the most preferred brand in this category. The strong market position ATAK has built over the years is one of the clearest indications that we are successfully matching the right product with the right operational needs.” Emphasising that Karsan will continue to grow strongly in Türkiye alongside its achievements in global markets, Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu continued: “Türkiye is our home market, and we aim to take our already strong position here even further. Winning such a significant tender for 150 vehicles in a single order reinforces our leadership in the 8-meter segment while elevating our position in the Turkish market to a new level. “With its compact dimensions, outstanding manoeuvrability and climbing capability, passenger capacity and operational efficiency, ATAK is a powerful solution capable of meeting the needs of Istanbul’s diverse routes. We are delighted to contribute to Istanbul’s public transport system through this major 150-vehicle project and to make the Karsan brand part of the daily journeys of millions of Istanbul residents. We will continue to develop the right products for cities’ public transport needs and deliver major projects both in Türkiye and around the world.”
The ATAK Advantage on Istanbul’s Demanding Routes
At eight metres in length and with a capacity of up to 56 passengers, the Karsan ATAK offers a strong balance between passenger capacity and operational agility in urban public transport. Particularly in city operations where passenger demand and route requirements vary, ATAK’s compact dimensions provide operators with right-sized capacity and greater operational efficiency. Thanks to its tight turning radius and outstanding manoeuvrability, ATAK can navigate narrow roads and heavy traffic with ease. Its strong climbing capability also makes it particularly well suited to Istanbul’s steep and demanding routes. ATAK’s Euro 6 turbo diesel engine, delivering 137 kW of power, combines strong performance with fuel efficiency, while SCR, DPF and EGR technologies contribute to lower emissions.
Outstanding Manoeuvrability Meets Accessibility
Karsan ATAK delivers not only operational efficiency in urban public transport but also a high level of passenger comfort and accessibility. Its low-entry design, kneeling function and wheelchair ramp make boarding easier for passengers with different mobility needs. ATAK also provides a comfortable urban travel experience with its spacious interior, powerful climate-control system and USB charging ports.
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