Turkey's high-speed trains start operations after months of COVID-19 pause

Turkey's high-speed trains started operating on May 28 after a months-long pause in operations. While trains will operate at 50 percent of their capacity, there will not be a spike in ticket prices, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu said.

Duvar English

Turkey's high-speed trains (YHT) recommenced operations on May 28, after a months-long pause to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The YHT will run between Ankara and Istanbul, Ankara and the student town Eskişehir, Ankara and central Anatolian Konya, and Konya and Istanbul, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu said.

"Our trains are running at 50 percent capacity, but that will not mean there will be a spike in prices," Karaismailoğlu said at the ceremony to send off the first train May 28.

Trains, planes to resume operations, Health Ministry mobile app required for ticketsTrains, planes to resume operations, Health Ministry mobile app required for tickets

Passengers will be required to provide the unique codes they obtain through the Health Ministry's mobile application, as well as their travel permit, the minister said.

The minister added that passengers will be required to wear masks, keep a safe distance from others and maintain personal hygiene.

"Wearing a mask will be mandatory in all stations, stops and on the trains," Karaismailoğlu said. "Any travelers who present with symptoms will be barred from the trains and will be fully reimbursed for their tickets."

If any passengers present symptoms during their travels, they will be isolated inside the train and will be taken to a healthcare facility at the first stop, the minister added.