Astana Bus Fares May Increase to 150 Tenge

Public transport fares in Astana may soon see an adjustment. The capital’s akimat has proposed setting the non-cash payment fare at 150 tenge starting December 1. If approved, the fare will increase by 40 tenge, representing a jump of roughly 36%.

Reasons Behind the Proposed Increase

City officials explain that adjusting the tariff is a necessary step, driven by significantly higher operating costs for transport providers over recent years:

• Fuel Costs: Since 2014, the price of diesel fuel has surged from 107 to 329 tenge per liter.

• Wage Growth: While drivers previously earned around 100,000–150,000 tenge, current salaries start at 700,000 tenge, depending on the bus category and work schedule.

• Vehicles and Maintenance: The costs of spare parts and repairs have increased substantially. Additionally, carriers have acquired 1,127 new buses for the capital over the past three years.

Furthermore, reviewing the tariff is essential to ensure the continuous and safe operation of public transport, upgrade the bus fleet, and expand the route network.

Despite the planned fare increase, free travel will be preserved for eligible social categories. These include retirees, persons with disabilities, large families, and students under the age of 18 studying in Astana.

It is worth noting that a final decision on the fare hike has not yet been adopted. If officially approved, the new rate will take effect on December 1.