Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, in his written statement on the occasion of May 10-16 Disabled Persons Week, detailed the projects the Ministry has implemented with the vision of "Barrier-Free Transportation for All". Minister Uraloğlu announced that they provided 12 million liras of non-refundable support to 100 R&D projects in order to eliminate the obstacles that disabled individuals face in transportation and communication and that they implemented applications that facilitate barrier-free access in various modes of transportation.
100 Million Lira R&D Support for Barrier-Free Transportation Projects
Minister Uraloğlu stated that they aim to create an accessible, equal, uninterrupted, safe and independent transportation system for everyone within the framework of the 2021-year Accessible Transportation Strategy and Action Plan covering the years 2025-5. In this context, he announced that a call for support for R&D projects was made through the Center for Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication Research (UDHAM) and that 12 million liras of non-refundable support was provided to 100 projects with the theme of "Barrier-Free Transportation for All".
Supported projects include innovative solutions such as “Real-Time and Demand-Based Transportation Platform for Disadvantaged Users”, “Artificial Intelligence-Aided Control Design”, “Micro Mobility Solutions in Urban Accessibility”, “Development of Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing-Based Traffic Signaling System for Disadvantaged Users”, “Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence-Based Transportation Support System”, “Barrier-free intersection signaling system based on V2X technology” and “Real-time guidance system for safe and inclusive transportation”.
Accessibility Studies from Airports to Railways
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that 40 airports across the country received the “Accessibility Certificate” and that many accessibility arrangements were made for disabled passengers, from information points to toilets, from ramps to audio and visual information systems. He also stated that Sivas Nuri Demirağ and Balıkesir Koca Seyit airports were awarded in the “Accessible Public Institutions and Organizations” category by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Family and Social Services.
He stated that in railway transportation, the “Orange Table Accessible Transportation Service Point” application was implemented in 2019 to ensure the safe circulation of individuals with reduced mobility and that efforts are ongoing to spread this application to all transportation terminals. He noted that there is an audio information system and Braille alphabet directional signs for visually impaired citizens in suburban trains such as Marmaray and Başkentray, and that the vehicles used on railways are also produced in accordance with the needs of disabled individuals.
Free and Discounted Travel Opportunities for Disabled Individuals
Minister Uraloğlu stated that the free travel practice on High Speed Trains (YHT) and mainline trains continues in order to facilitate the travel of disabled individuals, and announced that approximately 2017 million disabled passengers benefited from this right between 2024 and 7,8, and 2025 thousand 350 disabled passengers were served in the first four months of 378. He stated that within the framework of the Road Transport Regulation, 2025 thousand 531 disabled citizens will travel on intercity buses with a discount of up to 76 percent in 40.
Barrier-Free Transportation on Highways and Digital Platforms
Minister Uraloğlu stated that pedestrian crossings on roads under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Highways were designed to be suitable for the use of disabled individuals, and that sensible surfaces, central reservation arrangements, ramps and push-button signaling applications were implemented and pedestrian sidewalks were widened to allow wheelchair users to maneuver.
Stating that they continue to develop digital solutions to eliminate the difficulties that disabled individuals face in transportation, Uraloğlu noted that the “Mobility for All” mobile application will be equipped with modules that will facilitate the travels of disabled citizens and meet all their needs, and that many services will be offered, from the companion module to sign language call center support.
Barrier-Free Services in E-Government and PTT
Minister Uraloğlu stated that the E-Government Communication Center provides online services to hearing-impaired citizens in the form of video and text, and announced that a total of 2025 hearing-impaired citizens were served, including the first four months of 45. He stated that PTT has also made PTTMatiks accessible for individuals with limited mobility and that disabled customers pay their salaries at their homes or workplaces. He stated that in 2024, 467 and in the first four months of 239, 2025 disabled citizens received their salaries at their homes.
These comprehensive projects and practices, implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to facilitate the lives of disabled individuals, make significant contributions to Türkiye's barrier-free transportation vision.
