Arıklı Accuses Critics of Undermining Public Transport Project for Personal Gain

In a statement shared on social media, Arıklı described the lack of an effective public transportation network as one of the biggest shortcomings in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He noted that previous ministers had also made efforts to address this issue but were consistently obstructed by individuals who derive substantial profits from the current transport system.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, Arıklı revealed that 1.2 billion TL had been allocated this year solely for student transportation, a figure he claims ends up benefiting only a few hundred individuals. “Those who insist on transporting our children in decades-old, poorly maintained vehicles opposed this project in the past and continue to do so now,” he said.

Arıklı identified Fuat Topaloğlu, head of Kar-İş (the Public Transport Operators Association), as a key supporter of the project. “President Fuat has dedicated his life to this work and is providing us with invaluable support through his experience,” he said. He also noted that the Independent Transporters Association has shown general support for the initiative.

However, Arıklı claimed that those who have long profited from the existing system have begun targeting not only him but also the two supporting organizations. “They have now put me and these two groups in their crosshairs,” he stated. “President Fuat was eventually compelled to speak out and clearly summarized the situation.”