In Turkey and Northern Cyprus, a dolmuş is a share taxi that runs set routes within and between cities.

Background

The name dolmuş is derived from Turkish for "seemingly stuffed", in reference to how the vehicles were often filled to the brim. At some locations they depart from the terminal only when a sufficient number of passengers have boarded. In some cities, dolmuşlar are only allowed to board and disembark passengers at designated stops or terminals. In less busy locations, passengers may board anywhere along the route. In fact, a dolmuş with empty seats may slow down to pick up more passengers. In some cities, to prevent extremely slow travel, intermediate stop timings of dolmuşes are regulated more like a regular bus on a latest allowable arrival basis. A foreign passenger described the ride as being "terrifying, awe-inspiring, confusing, incomprehensible, charming, hospitable and alien", and those unfamiliar with them may be surprised by the speed of dolmuş travel. In Turkey the vehicles used are often brand-new minibuses, but in some parts of Cyprus – – aging Mercedes-Benz stretch limos serving as dolmuşlar can still be seen.

Regulations

In Turkey the industry is regulated under an apportionated registration scheme. Despite the meaning of their name, laws prevent these minibuses from becoming too crowded. In İzmir and some other cities, standing passengers are not allowed; in İstanbul and some other cities, they are. In Turkish controlled Northern Cyprus, dolmuş routes are leased under an apportionated registration scheme and vehicles are licensed. In 2024, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality started trialing minibuses using a contactless smart card system for payment instead of cash.