With the new regulation published in the Official Gazette and now in effect, public sector employees can now have their children—who attend preschool, compulsory education, daycare centers, and children’s clubs—transported via staff shuttle services. The regulation, implemented as part of the “Year of the Family,” is seen as a significant convenience for working parents.

The “Regulation Amending the Regulation on Personnel Transportation Services in Public Institutions and Organizations,” which entered into force with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was published in the Official Gazette. Prepared based on Article 477 and 537 of Presidential Decree No. 1 and the Vehicle Law No. 237, the regulation has opened the door to a new era in transportation planning for public servants.

University staff are now included

Under the new regulation, in addition to public employees’ children in preschool and compulsory education, children attending daycare centers, daycare facilities, and children’s clubs will also be able to use the designated staff shuttle vehicles. The initiative will facilitate the more efficient use of public resources while also simplifying the daily lives of working parents. The regulation also covers university staff. This will help alleviate a significant transportation challenge faced by employees, particularly those with young children.

Accompaniment and permission requirements have been introduced

Children’s use of staff shuttle services is subject to specific rules. Accordingly, children must be accompanied on the shuttle vehicles by the staff member themselves or a person responsible for their care. Additionally, institutions must apply to the relevant provincial or district traffic commissions to obtain official permission in order to implement this program.

School bus standards will apply

Safety constitutes one of the most critical aspects of the regulation. The decision emphasizes that staff members may only travel with children if all existing safety rules are fully complied with. In this context, transportation operations must be conducted in accordance with the physical and legal conditions outlined in the School Bus Regulation published in the Official Gazette dated October 25, 2017, and numbered 30221. Thus, school bus standards will also serve as the basis for public service vehicles.