İzmir Blue Train

İzmir Blue Train
Eastbound Izmir Blue Train #31127 waits to depart Alsancak Terminal with DE22086 leading.
Overview
Service typeIntercity rail
StatusOperating
LocaleWestern Turkey
First service17 May 1984[1]
Current operator(s)TCDD Taşımacılık
Former operator(s)Turkish State Railways
Route
TerminiBasmane station, İzmir
Ankara station, Ankara
Stops35
Distance travelled824 km (512 mi)
Average journey time12 hours, 22 minutes (eastbound)
12 hours, 19 minutes (westbound)
Service frequencyDaily each way
Train number(s)31127 (eastbound)
21128 (westbound)
On-board services
Class(es)Classless coach
1st class sleeper
Disabled accessLimited
Seating arrangementsCoach seating
Sleeping arrangementsSleeping car
Catering facilitiesDining car
Entertainment facilitiesTCDD music service
Technical
Rolling stockTVS2000
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
ElectrificationYes
Operating speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Track owner(s)TCDD Taşımacılık

The İzmir Blue Train (Turkish: İzmir Mavi Tren) is one of the 3, still operating, "Blue Train" services.

The train made its first run on 17 May 1984. At first, the train was operating between Alsancak station in İzmir and Central Station in Ankara. But in 2006, due to construction works of IZBAN, the terminus in Izmir was transferred to Basmane station but remained there even after the IZBAN went into service. And since 2016, the eastern terminus of the service was shortened to Eskişehir due to the Başkentray project. In 2018, service started back between Ankara-İzmir.[2]

References

  1. ^ Milliyet - 19 May 1984, p. 2
  2. ^ "İzmir Mavi Treni Ankara'ya geliyor".