Fancy a ride on a piece of Ankara’s history? Ankaray Service Rails is more than just a transit line. It is a story of Ankara’s growth. It echoes the city’s ambition.
Ankaray, designated as A1, began its journey on August 30, 1996. Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan inaugurated the line. It became Ankara’s first rapid transit line. It was Turkey’s second after Istanbul’s M1. Ankaray predates Ankara Metro’s M1.
The name itself is a blend. “Ankara” meets “ray,” the Turkish word for rail. Ankaray Service Rails reflects the city’s modern identity.
Imagine Ankara in the 1990s. City planners envisioned a medium-capacity transit line. The goal was to connect Söğütözü to Dikimevi. Kızılay would be a key transfer point. Here, passengers could switch to the M1 line to Batıkent. An eastward extension to Mamak was considered.
Construction began in April 1992. It took four years to complete the 8.5 km route. Ankaray Service Rails opened with 11 stations. In 2017, it recorded over 33.5 million boardings. It became Ankara Metro’s second busiest line. Interestingly, Ankara classifies Ankaray as a light rail line.
Ankaray’s route stretches from the Ankara Intercity Coach Terminal, AŞTİ, to Dikimevi. Most of the line runs underground. The westernmost part between AŞTİ and Emek is an exception.
Let’s talk about fares. Ankaray uses the Ankarakart smartcard system. A single ride costs ₺2.50 with the card. A single ticket without Ankarakart costs ₺4. Transfers from other lines cost an additional fee.
Ankaray boasts unique rolling stock. AEG and Siemens built the trains. Ankara Municipality ordered them in 1992. A total of 33 cars were delivered. Trains draw power from a 750 V DC third rail. Ankaray trains typically operate with six cars. Each married pair is 29 meters long. The Söğütözü Maintenance Facility houses all Ankaray trains.
There was an approved expansion plan in 2011. The plan was to extend the Ankaray Service Rails from AŞTİ to Söğütözü. The tunnel and station were completed in early 2014. It would connect to the M2 line. But the line has not yet been put into service for reasons unclear.
Ankaray Service Rails is not just a mode of transport. It is a thread in Ankara’s urban fabric. It symbolizes progress. It embodies the spirit of connection. As you travel along Ankaray Service Rails, remember you are moving through Ankara’s story.