Astana Commences Application Process for LRT Transport Passes

Starting April 28, eligible residents of Astana can officially apply for personalized LRT transport cards. The initial rollout targets specific social categories, including students under 18, retirees, multi-child families, and parents of children with disabilities. A mandatory requirement for eligibility is permanent registration and residencyin the capital; temporary residents are currently ineligible.

Key Application Details:

• Online Registration: Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official portal, transcard.kz, where users must upload digital documentation and select a preferred pickup location.

• Cost and Distribution: The issuance fee is 1,200 tenge. Once processed, applicants will receive an SMS notification to collect their cards from one of six district akimats.

• Payment Infrastructure: Each of the 18 LRT stations will feature a dedicated cash zone for top-ups. Authorities also plan to integrate alternative payment methods, such as bank cards and mobile applications, to streamline the boarding process through station turnstiles.

The 22.4-kilometer line, which connects key districts of the capital, is currently undergoing comprehensive testing with all 19 train sets. Following seven months of trial operations, Astana Akim Zhenis Kassymbek confirmed that the system is fully prepared for public use. While standard city bus fares currently stand at 110 tenge, eligible social categories will receive free travel on the LRT, mirroring the existing benefits in the municipal bus system. The official launch for passenger services remains scheduled for Spring 2026.