Dog Boji Becomes Istanbul's Most Famous Passenger. He Rides Metro, Trams and Ferries

No one knows how he learned to navigate the transport system.

Passengers of Istanbul's public transport are eager to see the local celebrity, the dog Boji, who loves traveling by the various modes of transport in Turkey's largest city. 

The dog rides buses, metro trains, trams and ferries. No one knows how he learned to navigate the public transport system. A tram driver who knows Boji said his polite manners when boarding and disembarking should be an example for all passengers. 

Metro and ferry

Boji continues to win the hearts of Istanbul residents every day, and also makes many people wonder how he learned to travel this way. 

Istanbul metro employee Aylin Erol said that after they saw photos of the dog on social media, they decided to fit him with a microchip to track his movements. 

To their surprise, they found that Boji passes at least 29 metro stations every day and can cover up to 30 km a day. Istanbul lies between the shores of Europe and Asia, so it has a complex ferry system, which is also part of Boji's route. 

The dog was once spotted during a trip to the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara, off the coast of Istanbul. He became so popular that he even got an account on Twitter, which has more than 90,000 followers. 

Aylin said: "He knows where to go. He knows where to get off. It's as if he has a purpose." 

Vaccination and microchipping

Boji has received the necessary vaccinations to protect him and those around him. A microchip linked to a mobile app allows authorities to monitor his health. 

Transport staff make sure the dog eats well and drinks water. He is also regularly examined by a state veterinarian. According to the tracker, the dog's favorite mode of transport is the tram. 

This transport suits an animal whose name is linked to transport technology. Boji is a Turkish word meaning "bogie," the wheeled frame under train carriages that gives the vehicle greater stability during travel. 

Perhaps this is how the dog got his name: transport staff began calling him Boji after he was often seen above the carriage bogies. 

Popularity and widespread affection

Boji has become very popular, so many passengers want to pet him or take a selfie with him. According to the veterinary services of the Istanbul metropolitan municipality, the city is home to more than 300,000 cats and dogs, but some believe this is a very modest estimate. 

Stray animals are an emotional issue for city residents. In the 1990s, the city sent exterminators to deal with the growing number of cats and dogs. However, after public outcry, this policy was abandoned. 

Now municipal officers catch animals only for sterilization and vaccination, as well as treatment of any medical complications. They attach identification tags to their ears and release them. 

Boji has become a local favorite. Aylin Erol said: "You get on a train and suddenly see Boji. You just smile and enjoy the moment." That is exactly what the dog reminds Istanbul residents of: that you can enjoy the city even when you are rushing to get things done.