Tehran City Council Approves Transport Plan: Changes Begin Early 2027

Tehran's City Council finalized a new urban transport plan in its July 9 meeting, impacting millions of residents who rely on the city’s buses, metro, and road networks. The plan, passed with a 23-12 vote, outlines a timeline of infrastructure upgrades and service expansions expected to unfold over the next 18 months.

Urban congestion and air quality remain pressing challenges in Tehran, with the municipality facing rising demands on public transit and road systems. The city’s population of over 9 million continues to grow, intensifying strain on existing infrastructure. The newly adopted plan is seen as a response to these pressures, aiming to improve traffic flow, increase public transport capacity, and reduce pollution.

What Tehran Residents Can Expect

Starting in October 2026, residents should notice additional bus routes servicing suburban districts such as Shahriar and Robat Karim, which currently have limited public transit options. This expansion is projected to reduce car dependency among commuters from these areas. By March 2027, the plan calls for the introduction of 50 new electric buses to replace older diesel models, a move that the city says will improve air quality and cut noise pollution in central neighborhoods like Tajrish and Valiasr.

Traffic management changes include the installation of smart traffic signals in high-congestion zones, including Enghelab Square and Mirdamad Boulevard, scheduled to begin in early 2027. These systems aim to reduce average commute times during peak hours by an estimated 15 percent. The plan also includes improvements to pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes along key corridors, part of the city’s broader objective to promote active transportation modes.

Budget and Timeline Details

The approved budget allocates approximately 18 trillion Iranian rials (roughly $130 million) specifically for the transport plan's initial 18-month phase. This funding covers vehicle procurement, signal system installations, and minor roadworks according to municipal budget documents published following the council meeting. The mayor's office confirms that procurements for electric buses are already underway, with contracts signed with local manufacturers.

Officials expect that residents commuting from Tehran’s outer districts will start experiencing shorter wait times for transit services by late 2026, while downtown drivers will see gradual easing of congestion by mid-2027. The council has mandated quarterly progress reports to monitor implementation and community impact, ensuring transparency and adjustments as needed.

Next steps involve finalizing detailed project schedules and launching public information campaigns to prepare residents for upcoming changes. Local transportation advocates note that timely execution will be essential for the plan to achieve its goals amid the city's fast-growing population and economic activities.