Eco-Tourism on the Rise: Mersin Launches Seventeen Electric Buses for Greener Travel

Published on November 10, 2025

New strides in sustainable mobility and tourism development in Mersin, in the vibrant southern Mediterranean coastal city of Turkey, will be achieved with the introduction of the 12 metre Karsan e-ATA electric buses as part of a city-wide initiative. EU’s IPA II-funded partnership as well as Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, demonstrate a commitment to zero-emission public transport and electric buses in Mersin as part of the EU and Mersin’s blossoming partnership, funded under the IPA II program, it brings sustainable public transportation to the city.

The electric buses have the potential to enhance the commuting experience of users in the city, as well as create a seamless travel experience for visitors who wish to enjoy Mersin’s stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant centres. This investment will strengthen Turkey’s objective of renewable energy and sustainable eco tourism. Mersin, as well as other cities in Turkey, will be eco-tourism-friendly.

Infrastructure Improvements for Eco-Friendly Transport Solutions

The electric buses will be an improvement to Mersin’s ancient coastal living and modern features, and will allow for a simultaneous cultural and beach experience for tourists.

The Karsan e-ATA electric buses will be used on routes between major transport hubs and tourist attractions, including Mersin Marina, Atatürk Park, and the city’s historical areas. Because of the buses’ extended range and efficient electric-drive system, emission-free travel along long routes becomes easier. This brings added convenience for travelers and makes travel in the region much more sustainable.

Visitors traveling to Mersin will also be happy to learn that they can enjoy the attractions of the city without contributing to the degradation of the region’s fragile ecology, which makes Mersin ideally placed for eco-travel in the Mediterranean.

Sustainable Mobility and Infrastructure Enabled By EU Partnership

These buses have been made possible through the collaboration of the European Union and the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in the framework of the IPA II program. This program finances the advancement of sustainable practices, including development and infrastructure projects, in countries that the EU is considering for membership, including Turkey.

Mersin is not only gaining investment due to the adoption of electric mobility, but is also enhancing its reputation as a smart city focused on advanced transport infrastructure. This is achieved through the significant reduction of it’s carbon emission targets. Mersin’s vision to e-ATA buses also demonstrates the incorporation of advanced technologies in urban infrastructure to provide dip tourists and locals with an efficient and eco friendly transport system.

Resident and Visitor Eco-Friendly Advantages

All of these 12-meter e-ATA Karsan buses are 100% electrical and are designed to prioritize the comfort and safety of the passengers and the efficiency of the bus operations. They are emission-free and have very low operation noise levels.

The use of electric buses will further enhance the tourism experience in Mersin by cleaner streets with less noise and pollution, as well as improved city ambience.

Sightseeing in Mersin has never been better, now that Kızkalesi Castle, Mersin Archaeological Muscum, and Tarsus Roman and St. Paul Church are easily accessible. Bookings are cascading in with tourists coming into the region.

Turkey’s vision of Green Travel

Mersin’s new electric buses are regionally funded charged with the vision for renewed ecologically responsible infrastructure and valued tourism. Mersin, being one of the Mediterranean’s foremost tourist cards, sets the pace for peers in the adoption of renewable and environmentally friendly public buses.

Turkey’s eco-tourism culture is developing quickly with cities, ‘Mersin’ and ‘Antalya’ spearheading emission reductions and improving the customer experiences. These advancements align with the country’s 2023 Vision aimed at tourism and urban area smart mobility, infrastructural and technological innovation and their urban systems.

The Karsan e-ATA fleet equally brings to life these visions and illustrates the harmonious coexistence of technology and sustainability towards improving tourism, businesses, and the daily lifestyle.

Merger of Tourism and Smart Mobility

The 17 new e-ATA buses will also further the smart city goals of Mersin. These buses are digital with real-time monitoring, energy efficient charging, smart route control and operate on advanced systems. These features make the bus user-friendly, reliable, sustainable, and timely as well to tourists who are on unknown routes.

Guests will also enjoy the integration of digital ticketing, route guides with a centralised control system which simplifies access to travel networks that connect major tourist attractions, shopping areas, and the coastal promenade.

The growth of this fleet is also a demonstration of the positive impacts that investment in clean mobility and travel experience brings to the emerging Mediterranean sustainable tourism centre, Mersin.

Looking Ahead: Greening the Future of Mersin Tourism

Along with the IPA II program of the European Union Partnership, the new fleet of electric buses puts Mersin on the path of implementing sustainable mobility as a base for tourism development at the Mersin region level, and sets an example for other cities in Turkey.

As other cities in Turkey adopt low-emission public transportation, tourists will be able to visit and appreciate the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty more sustainably. The addition of the seventeen new e-ATA electric buses is certainly a milestone in public transportation in Mersin, and an important step toward the development of sustainable tourism on the Mediterranean coastline of the country.