Astana's LRT introduces new fare rules with exemptions for locals
Astana's light rail transit (LRT) system is set to introduce new fare rules. A draft resolution outlining the changes has appeared on the Open Legal Acts government portal. The adjustments will affect how passengers pay for travel on the city's expanding network.
The LRT, operational since 2011, has grown steadily over the years. While it has boosted public transport use, details on how the updated tariffs compare to other Central Asian cities remain unclear in public records.
The proposed changes will standardise the cost of a single LRT journey at 200 tenge. Passengers can settle fares using either cash or digital payments. The draft resolution covers both passenger tickets and baggage transport fees.
Certain residents will not face these charges. Astana's city council, known as the maslikhat, has decided to exempt those officially registered and living permanently in the city. The exemption aims to ease costs for long-term locals.
The LRT system has played a key role in Astana's transport network since its launch. Over time, it has expanded, encouraging more people to use public transport. However, official sources have not released detailed comparisons on how the new fares might influence ridership compared to neighbouring cities like Almaty, Tashkent, or Bishkek.
The fare adjustments will take effect once the draft resolution is finalised. Residents with permanent registration will continue to ride for free, while others will pay 200 tenge per trip. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to balance affordability with the system's growth.
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