The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) organized a comprehensive Transportation Workshop to shape the future of Istanbul’s transportation system through collective intelligence and scientific data. Representing Üsküdar University, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Board Member of the Center for Barrier-Free Life Support, Application and Research (ENMER) and Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at the Faculty of Health Sciences, participated in the workshop.
Asst. Prof. Uçan emphasized that major arterial transfer points must be made fully accessible and that practices likely to increase traffic congestion should be avoided. He also underlined that planning for new metro lines and transfer hubs should be supported by user-experience-based surveys and field studies.
The workshop, held at the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) Florya Campus, brought together academics from 61 universities in Istanbul, technical teams from 39 district municipalities, representatives of the transportation sector, and transportation tradespeople.
Üsküdar University at the workshop
Üsküdar University was represented by Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety. Throughout the workshop, discussions particularly highlighted transportation projects on the Anatolian side, the effective use of existing infrastructure, and planning for accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Major arterial transfer points must be adapted
In his post-workshop evaluations, Asst. Prof. Uçan stressed the necessity of adapting main arterial transfer points. He also Asst. Profew attention to the importance of adAsst. Professing the environmental impacts of certain transportation projects, the functional overlap between parallel lines, efficient use of budgets, and the need for scientifically grounded alternative solutions.
Capacity of rail systems should be increased
Referring to the proposed project that would run from Maltepe–Üsküdar to Kadıköy via Minibüs Street, Asst. Prof. Uçan stated that it would not be economically viable, noting that:
- the project would damage the natural environment and lead to the cutting down of hunAsst. Profeds of trees,
- Marmaray already runs just below the proposed line (approximately 100 meters away),
- and traffic, already dense, would become virtually immobile during peak hours.
He therefore emphasized the need to evaluate options to increase the capacity of existing rail systems and to avoid initiatives that could further exacerbate traffic congestion.
Must be suitable for use by persons with disabilities
Asst. Prof. Uçan also highlighted that main arteries and transfer centers should be made suitable for use by persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of reassessing accessibility, wayfinding, and safety criteria, particularly at heavily used stops and transfer points.
Planning should be supported by user-experience-based studies
Finally, Asst. Prof. Uçan stated that when planning new metro lines and transfer centers, exit points and passenger density should be determined through scientific analyses, supported by user-experience-based surveys and field research. He noted that such an approach would provide more sustainable solutions in terms of both accessibility and transportation safety.
Üsküdar University’s participation in the workshop stood out as an important example of integrating academic expertise into local government transportation policies, with the aim of contributing to decision-making processes for the development of Istanbul’s transportation system.