ISTANBUL FERRIES KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES

摘要

Passenger and vehicle ferries have been operating across the Bosphorus, separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, since the middle of the 19th century. In fact, the first two vehicle ferries that operated there were built in the UK, based on designs from a naval architect in Istanbul, and went into service in 1870. At that time they were intended to carry horses and carts rather than motorised vehicles but their design is a forerunner of modern double ended vehicle ferries. In more recent times the passenger and vehicle ferries have had to face competition from road bridges. The first of these was constructed in 1973 and was later followed by two more. In addition, a metro rail tunnel has been built linking the two sides of the city. The two main ferry operators also have to compete with a large number of private boat owners operating services. And, most recently, Uber began offering a service allowing customers to find the next available private boat, in the same way it does in many cities for private taxi services.