Intercity Bus Coaches Want Corona Shield

Due to the coronavirus measures, intercity bus companies that are carrying transportation with a 50 percent occupancy rate are waiting for support. Among the requests submitted to Minister Karaismailoğlu, there are a number of requests ranging from 1 percent VAT to MTV payment, from the ÖTV refund to the use of the FSM Bridge.

During the meeting of TOBB sector representatives, chaired by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Adil Karaismailoğlu and TOBB President Rifat Hirascıklıoğlu, the problems of intercity busses were discussed. It was stated that the sector, which carries at a 50 percent occupancy rate, is in a difficult situation due to the coronavirus measures, while TOBB Highway Passenger Transportation Sector Assembly President Mustafa Yıldırım expressed the following requests to Minister Karaismailoğlu:

DO NOT TAKE MTV FOR A TIME

Highway and bridge tolls should not be charged, or a 50 percent discount should be applied. Time extension should be ensured by coordination with the relevant ministries and risk analysis of the uninsured period. Motor Vehicle Tax should not be collected in July 2020 and January 2021.

OPEN THE FSM BRIDGE

The use of the FSM Bridge should be prevented at the same time as the YSS bridge passage fee at the exits of Istanbul, and 35 liters of fuel losses due to the use of excessive roads and passengers should be avoided. VAT rate should be applied as 1 percent in road transport, as in airways, provided that it is limited to the outbreak measures process and limited period. 25 percent SCT refund should be made for the invoices used every month from the fuel oil used.

Tourism vehicles registered in D2 and B2 documents work for an average of 4-6 months a year, traveling 40-50 thousand km and the depreciation period exceeds the mandatory age limit. Özmal, the age limitation of the vehicles, which have not completed their economic life and undergoes inspection without distinction of rental, should be removed, and age and equipment classification should be introduced, as in European countries. 50 is a lost year for the sector due to the 2020 percent capacity utilization requirement. For this reason, D1, B1 and D2, B2 document periods should be extended for one year free of charge. It was learned that Minister Karaismailoğlu said that he would bring the demands of the sector to the agenda at the cabinet meeting. (Source: Osman Cobanoglu / Türkiyegazete of)