Istanbul – On the morning of November 5, 2026, Metrobus riders on the city’s heavily used BRT corridor experienced significant delays as a large number of buses formed extended queues between the Avcılar Merkez and Sefaköy stations. The congestion was most visible on routes serving the Cevizlibağ, Zincirlikuyu and Söğütlüçeşme directions, where a continuous line of vehicles struggled to move forward.

According to the Anadolu Agency report cited by CNN Türk, the buildup occurred during the peak commuting window, when thousands of residents travel to work and school. While Metrobus is typically praised for its speed and capacity, the sheer volume of buses operating back‑to‑back overwhelmed the available road space, causing a slowdown that lasted several minutes.

Authorities confirmed that the delays were not caused by any mechanical failure, accident, or other incident on the line. Instead, the problem stemmed from an unusually high number of buses entering the corridor simultaneously, which led to a bottleneck at key interchanges. At several stops, passengers were seen waiting on platforms as the next vehicle struggled to arrive, creating crowded conditions on the sidewalks.

City transport officials have not yet released a detailed explanation for why the fleet density was higher than usual. However, they indicated that traffic management teams are monitoring the situation and will adjust bus dispatch intervals if necessary to restore normal flow. In the meantime, commuters were advised to consider alternative routes or modes of transport, such as the metro, trams, or regular bus lines, especially during the morning rush hour.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by Istanbul’s public‑transport network as the city continues to grow. With a population exceeding 15 million and daily commuter numbers rising, the Metrobus system remains a critical artery for moving people across the European side of the city. Yet, as this episode shows, even well‑established services can become strained under peak demand.

Local residents expressed frustration over the unexpected wait times, noting that the queues extended far beyond typical morning patterns. Some commuters shared photos on social media showing the length of the line, prompting calls for better real‑time information and more flexible scheduling.

While the delay was resolved by late morning, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptive transport planning in megacities. Istanbul’s authorities are expected to review the incident and consider measures such as staggered dispatch, increased frequency during peak periods, or temporary rerouting to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

The Metrobus system, operated by İETT, remains a cornerstone of Istanbul’s public‑transport strategy, linking the western suburbs to central districts. Ensuring its reliability during high‑traffic periods will be essential for maintaining the city’s overall mobility and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Source: https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/istanbulda-metrobusler-uzun-kuyruklar-olusturdu-3489321