Between 2013 and 2023, Türkiye's railway passenger traffic exhibited significant fluctuations. After a dip in 2013, passenger numbers increased notably in 2014 and 2015. This upward trend experienced reversals in 2016 and 2017, rebounding strongly in 2018 and 2019. The impact of the 2020 pandemic caused a drastic decline, but traffic began recovering in 2021 and surged in 2022. However, 2023 saw a decline of 21.07%, closing the year with 253.87 million persons.
The forecast indicates steady growth from 2024 onwards, with traffic expected to reach 438.45 million persons by 2028, signifying a CAGR of 8.5% over the five-year period. Key points include:
- The trend between 2018 and 2022 highlighted a strong recovery phase with significant annual increases, particularly in 2022 (136.31%).
- A temporary decline occurred in 2023, likely due to stabilization post-recovery.
- The projected growth from 2024 to 2028 suggests increased investments or improvements in service infrastructure.
Future trends to watch for involve the impact of high-speed rail development, potential expansions in rail network coverage, and fluctuating economic conditions or tourism trends influencing passenger volumes. Policies aimed at promoting public transportation due to environmental considerations could further bolster railway passenger traffic growth.
