Value for money LRT in Turkey

This paper describes projects to deliver light rail systems in Turkey at a relatively low cost. The government structure behind the decision to introduce new light rail systems is discussed. Details are given of the implementation of the Istanbul light rail systems and metro, the Ankara light rail systems and metro, the Izmir metro, the Bursa metro and the Eskisehir light rail system and the Konya light rail transport system, focusing on the roles of local authority personnel, finance and planning. Future light rail transport systems planned in Turkey are listed. During 10 years, the Turkish State Planning Organisation has improved the construction of seven light rail transit systems at a cost of US$3.5 billion. Each was constructed on a turnkey contract basis by a major international company working with a local civil partner. The benefits of this approach are considered.