Ankaray

Ankaray is the first rapid transit line of the Ankara Metro system in Ankara, Turkey. It began service in 1996 and runs from Dikimevi in the north to Kızılay in the city center, with several intermediate stations along the route. The line is approximately 8.5 kilometers long and includes a combination of elevated sections and a central underground tunnel that passes through the heart of the city, enabling faster travel between northern and central districts.

Construction and funding for Ankaray took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the project benefited from international assistance, including a loan from Japan. This funding helped establish the city’s first modern rapid transit corridor and laid groundwork for subsequent expansions of the Ankara Metro network.

Operations and rolling stock are managed by the municipal transit authority as part of Ankara’s public transport system. The line uses light-rail vehicles designed for urban rapid transit and runs on standard gauge track. Ankaray is integrated with the broader Ankara public transport network, allowing transfers to buses and other metro lines at major interchange points, notably at Kızılay.

Impact and legacy: As Ankara’s inaugural rapid transit line, Ankaray demonstrated the viability of urban rail in the city and served as a catalyst for further metro development, contributing to improved mobility, reduced road congestion, and expanded transit options for central and northern neighborhoods.