Sir Brian Souter, the man who pioneered mega-cheap express coach services in the UK, US and Europe, is about to launch a revolutionary new travel concept in Turkey that combines express bus and ferry services.
IDObus.com, which will launch on March 22, will slash journey times between Istanbul and cities around the Sea of Marmara by up to 40% while internet-booked fares will start at just one Turkish Lira – 40p.
Istanbul is one of the world’s most congested cities and a road journey from the city to Izmir can easily take 8-10 hours. When Sir Brian’s combined bus and ferry service takes to the road and sea in a fortnight’s time, the journey will only take 6.5 hours.
IDObus.com is the latest service to be launched by Istanbul Deniz Otobüsleri (IDO) – the company Sir Brian’s Scottish-led consortium was involved in privatising in an $861million deal in 2011.
Today Sir Brian said: “Life is just about to improve for commuters in and around Istanbul.
“IDObus.com will not only cut congestion in Istanbul, it will have a positive impact on the environment, helping to reduce traffic pollution in the city.”
Four 450 seat ferries will carry passengers from Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara to the Port of Guzelyali near Bursa where they will be met by a fleet of buses that will take them to Balikesir, Manisa and Izmir. Journey times are slashed because the ferry trip avoids the worst of the road congestion in the greater Istanbul area and also avoids the long trip around Izmit Bay.
Each ferry will make 13 return trips across the Sea of Marmara with the service running from 6am to midnight. IDObus.com coaches will travel through the night to ensure passengers can arrive or depart at whatever time suits them. Another plus for passengers will be free internet access on board the sea buses and coaches.
Sir Brian was in Istanbul today (8.03.12) to launch the IDObus.com website which immediately generated huge interest in Istanbul and throughout the wider Marmara region.
A smiling Sir Brian said: “Going by today’s interest in IDObus.com, passengers love the concept of fast, inexpensive and hassle-free travel.”
Fares to Bursa start from just one lira, Balikesir from just 13 lira and Manisa and Izmir just 22 lira.
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For further information please contact Gordon Beattie on 0800 612 9890
Issued by Beattie Communications
