Resumen
Urban transportation problem -a major issue for all metropolises- must be mitigated using ?sustainable? solutions, and to this end, new methods must be developed via ?Transportation Demand Management Systems?. In this context, «effective management of transport demands and efficient use of the existing transport infrastructure » has been established as a strategy that envisages a change of understanding and approach to sort out Istanbul's transport problem. The rapidly growing rate of private car ownership is one of the main reasons for the transportation problems in our city. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, around 25% of all cars in the country are registered in Istanbul. In addition, data from Energy Market Regulatory Authority of Turkey (EPDK) suggest that around 18% of total fuel consumption in our country takes place in Istanbul. Such high prevalence of vehicle ownership has major social and economic implications while elevated levels of fuel consumption and the associated emissions make dire impacts on the environment. The foregoing study examines the practices that could be introduced to remedy the problem of intensive traffic which has enormous implications not only worldwide but particularly in Istanbul -our largest metropolis- by using urban solutions, congestion charges applied in most European countries as a means for effective management of traffic, and the practice of low emission zones which prioritizes environmental consciousness. In this context, it presents a number of comparative analyses on the practices in various countries. After reviewing these analyses in terms of the specific needs of Istanbul, the study provides a recommendation for a hybrid model involving ?Low Emission Based Congestion Charging? which brings together congestion charges and environmental restrictions of the traffic demand management system planned to be implemented. What's more, traffic congestion in Istanbul is most severely experienced on the bridges which function as intercontinental connections. The main reason for that is ?once again- the high rate of private vehicle ownership and inefficient use of vehicles. As a solution to this problem, introduction of a ?high occupancy vehicle? practice is recommended to ensure transportation of more people rather than more vehicles in the traffic. In this framework, the study presents a recommendation for new tariff system for traffic density management based on the results of a density analysis over bridge crossings, and it provides and innovative and hybrid method for demand management with ?high occupancy vehicles practice to be implemented along with alternative fares charged for bridge crossings?. Introduction of these practices would ensure effective traffic management, and provide for a reduction on emission levels by supporting the elevation of occupancy rates of private vehicles, which is expected to eventually decrease the number of vehicles in traffic. Furthermore, it is anticipated that public transport would be encouraged by ensuring public transport prioritization in the fares; and enhanced punctuality of public transport vehicles would make a major contribution for sustainable transport. The study also explores the political and legal implications associated with the implementation of the recommended practices. Last but not least, introduction of such practices in cities must be promoted through ?Basic Principles of the European Union's Environmental Policy? and ?Air Quality Framework Directive?. All these practices would provide for an environmentalist outlook on behalf of our country, and as the prerequisites of a livable city, these practices would facilitate the harmonization of our country with the relevant standards as part of the process of joining the European Union.