New shuttle for Istanbul

[proud_ionian]

SOURCE: HURRIYET

New ferries on the go

ISTANBUL - After voting finished in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's campaign "Istanbul, Choose your Ferry," the model ferry "Fatih" was chosen by 400,000 votes and has started sea trials between Tuzla and Pendik.

Istanbul Sea Busses, or İDO, selected eight potential ferry models for public transport and asked residents last year to vote for their favorite. The campaign stimulated debate among those who were against changing the look of Istanbul’s symbolic ferries.

Fatih, the most popular boat, is the most similar model to the traditional ferries in use today. According to İDO officials, the newly designed Fatih ferry is now being tested in preparation to be put to sea with passengers. The ferry’s maneuvering system and speed are being monitored.

Fatih was first put to sea July 23 in a ceremony to display the ferry to Istanbul residents. Built by Turkish engineers and workers with İDO’s support, Fatih had the most developed maneuvering ability of all the models. With a capacity for 1,800 passengers, the ferry will begin services by the end of the year.

Fatih has a wide passenger hall, panoramic glass and an air conditioning system. It also has three decks and automatic doors that will not open until the ship docks at the pier. The ferry offers easier travel for disabled people and also features toilets, ramps, lights and a special ground cover inside the ferry that is environmentally friendly.

Edited December 14, 2008 by proud_ionian
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