The current system, consisting of one line, starts from Kaymakamlık station in the southwestern portion of the metropolitan area and runs towards northeast to end at Evka-3 in Bornova.

[4] By 1990, it was thought that the existing public transport system in Izmir could no longer support the growing population.

Yapı Merkezi was the main contractor for all design and civil works (tunnels, bridges, viaducts, stations, tracks, infrastructure, depots and workshops) as well as the third-rail power system.

All LRVs are self-powered and the drive and braking systems (with wheel-slip protection) are controlled by on-board computer.

A more ambitious rapid transit system, named İZBAN connects the north of the city, Aliağa to the south terminus of Cumaovası, via Adnan Menderes Airport and several other important financial and commercial areas such as Karşıyaka and Alsancak.