Abstract

population in urban areas increases and problems arise as a consequence, many cities turn to smart city transformation. Some scholars argue that smart cities can provide strong solutions to urban problems. Smart city discourse mainly touches upon six major concepts which cities are required to apply to become a smart city: Smart economy, smart people, smart governance, smart environment, smart living and finally smart mobility based on ICT. The most common issues based upon increasing population is transportation problems which has been seen in Turkish cities as well. As a response to these, smart mobility applications are becoming more and more widespread in Turkish urban areas. The purpose of this study is to provide a critical evaluation of transformation of Konya Metropolitan Area through smart mobility tools. Konya Metropolitan Area is becoming heavily car dependent and majority of the smart mobility applications target vehicles. Additionally, some recent policies and actions of the metropolitan municipality focus on public transportation. This study aims to evaluate smart mobility actions and policies in Konya Metropolitan area and to understand how smart mobility has become a main focal point of transportation policies in the city. The research benefits from interviews with Municipal officials as well as official documents such as plans, projects and their associated reports. Finally, the study concludes with some policy recommendations to push smart mobility agenda forward in Konya Metropolitan Area. Thesis (M.S.) -- Graduate School of Social Sciences. Urban Policy Planning and Local Governments.