Rechargeable toll cards can now be purchased on base

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The outdoor recreation center here is now selling preloaded toll-payment cards for use on Turkey's toll roads.
The recently introduced Kartlı Geçiş Sistemi Kartlar are required for highway tolls in Turkey.

The cards can be purchased at the outdoor recreation center, building 944, and are available to all Incirlik Air Base personnel. The cards are $20 each and come preloaded with $15 U.S. dollars ($1 U.S. dollar approximately equals 1.58 Turkish Lira). They can be recharged at any toll office.

Since most toll booths are no longer taking cash, a toll-payment card will make traveling through Turkey easier, according to officials at the 39th Force Support Squadron.

"We offer the KGS card at the outdoor recreation center as a convenience to the Incirlik community," said Mark Sullivan, 39th FSS. "The only way to purchase a card previously was with a Turkish bank or at the toll road itself."

Members should only use one card per car and should be sure to swipe the card as they enter and as they exit a toll road, said Mr. Sullivan.

The 39th Force Support Squadron is offering this service so that Incirlik personnel have an easier means to purchase the KGS card and can receive first-hand information about how to use and reload the card, said Dale Ruybal, 39th FSS.

Using the cards

KGS stations are positioned before bridges and entrances of highways. There you can reload or purchase a card before you enter the toll road. Stop in a safe place by the building on the right of the toll booths and purchase or reload your KGS toll card.

When entering a toll road, look for the lane marked KGS and scan your card to pay the toll. It is important to have sufficient credit on your card or you may be fined 11 times the longest distance of the road you are using. Also, always swipe your toll card when entering and exiting the toll road. Missing one of these steps could result in large fines.

For additional information, see Turkish toll roads now require card, on our website here, http://www.incirlik.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123232036, or call the outdoor recreation center at 676-6044.