500T Bus line connects Istanbul's two ends

Türkiye's 500 T bus line is one of the longest in Istanbul. It passes through 13 districts on a route of 72 kilometers (44 miles), offering its passengers a wholesome tour of Istanbul.

People visiting Istanbul can tour the city using various means of transportation such as buses, metro buses, subways, and ferries.

One of these transportation lines is the 500/Tuzla-Sifa Mahallesi-Cevizlibag line, which dates back to the late 1980s and was one of the favorites of its time.

Connecting the Asian and European sides, this line is one of the most extended lines in the city, covering 72 kilometers (44 miles) every day.

The line has 79 stops. When departing from Zeytinburnu, it passes through 12 of the city's 39 districts and 13 districts when departing from Tuzla.

The length of the service varies according to traffic conditions, but on average, it takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete the entire route. The service interval is determined according to the peak hours of passenger use and the line, which can be traveled with a double ticket, runs every 3 minutes during peak hours.

500T, which makes 437 daily trips, provides transportation for approximately 45,000 people.

'500T Rest Facilities' in Tuzla

500T, which operates under the General Directorate of Istanbul Electric Tram and Tunnel Enterprises (IETT) of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, embarks on a journey from Sifa Neighborhood at 4:20 a.m. and its last at 11:30 p.m., while its last trip from Cevizlibag starts at 5:20 p.m. and ends at 12:00 a.m.

At the bus's last stop in Tuzla, there is also a “500T Rest Facilities” for drivers. The facility includes areas like a tea center, a prayer room, and a barber. The line drivers can rest and spend time at the facility during the break in service periods.

'Most talked on social media'

Given the prolonged travel time, those who use this line to pass the time to work, school, or home do various activities. While some passengers prefer to look at their social media accounts, others watch TV series or movies. Sleeping, reading books, and watching the routes are among the preferred ways to pass the time.

The line, one of the most talked about topics on social media from time to time and about which various jokes are made, is also the subject of lines in TV series and movies.

Kerem Temur, a 500T driver, told Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent that this line is the longest and most preferred line in Türkiye, saying: “We can say that it is the only line that does not let the sun set on it, so to speak.”

Temur stated the passengers made new acquaintances, that he loves 500T, and that he has unforgettable memories of traveling via this line.

Source: Newsroom