Incirlik implements new mass transit service Published Jan. 2, 2015 By Senior Airman Michael Battles 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Effective Jan. 2, 2015, the 39th Air Base Wing will implement a new mass transit service, the Hodja Express, in response to the discontinuation of the taxicab contract on base here. The new service will be available for a minimal fee to transfer service members, dependents and civilian employees for personal use. Each one-way trip is a fifty cent fee. Beginning Jan. 7, bus passes will be available for purchase for $10, which is valid for 20 one-way trips. Passes can be purchased at the fitness center, club complex, outdoor recreation, Big City Diner, community center, Hodja Inn and the Fabric Care Facility, buidling 833. Until Jan. 7, bus patrons will be issued a ticket per one-way trip upon entering the bus. Each ticket must be presented along with the fifty cent ride fee at the Fabric Care Facility, building 883, at a later time. After Jan. 7, tickets will not be issued on the bus and bus patrons will need a bus pass to ride. "I share our Airmen's disappointment that taxis are no longer an option on Incirlik, but I support the Turkish Commander's decision," said Col. Craig Wills, 39th Air Base Wing commander. "In this case, our Airmen have found a way to innovate as we tackle this challenge, as Airmen always do." The Hodja Express is separate from the base shuttle service that will continue to be free for personnel in transit to and from their work centers. "Our Airmen from the logistics readiness squadron have come up with a great solution for a fee-based service," he said. "Essentially for a very small fee, people will have the opportunity to take the Hodja Express. None of the stops are more than a 5-minute walk from any point in housing, so this is a lot like a city bus service." The new route will service the following areas: Phantom, Herky, Falcon and Eagle Housing; front gate, hospital, fitness center, shoppette, commissary and Base Exchange. The 30-minute route stops at key facilities every 15 minutes and will operate from 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week. The current taxicab contract is scheduled to expire at the end of December 31, 2014, and due to unsatisfactory performance by the contractor, the Turkish Air Force will not renew the contract. A map of the new mass transit service route is available on the Commander's Access Channel. Along with the new shuttle route, Incirlik Airmen have found innovative ways to assists other Airmen on their own such as the new Incirlik Rideshare Facebook page, which allows Airmen to connect with each other and the overall Hodja helping Hodja mentality. "None of these solutions are perfect, but they're a start and hopefully they'll help," he said. "Incirlik Rideshare is a great initiative, but no matter how we slice it, we're going to have to walk a bit more; so please keep an eye out for those who need a lift or a helping hand. Hodjas are famous for being a great community and I know we'll conquer this challenge if we all pull together." More information will be released as it becomes available. Direct all questions to the 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office at DSN 676-6060 or (011) 90-322-316-6060. For a complete shuttle schedule, visit here.