The LRT in Astana is awaiting launch after the completion of test trials. The 22.4 km line will connect the airport and Nurly Zhol railway station, with the full journey taking around 40 minutes.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE LAUNCH
According to City Transportation Systems LLP (CTS), the system is fully ready for operation. The company's chairman, Asylbek Duisebayev, announced its readiness during a press tour of LRT facilities in Astana.
The line will pass through major points of the capital, including Mega Silk Way, the Botanical Garden, Abu Dhabi Plaza, Baiterek, the House of Ministries, and the National Museum. A total of 18 stations are planned along the route.
The LRT will operate daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
WHAT THE TRAINS WILL BE LIKE
The LRT trains will be driverless, but operators will remain on board. The company explained that they can take control in an emergency and assist passengers.
Each train consists of 4 carriages and is designed to carry more than 600 passengers. The maximum speed of the trains is 80 km/h, with an average speed through the city of 50–60 km/h.
The carriages are fitted with anti-vandal seats, LCD monitors displaying the route, panoramic windows, and spaces for wheelchairs. CTS also reported that the trains were tested at temperatures of -30°C, and special materials were used to reduce noise.
HOW TRAFFIC AND PAYMENT WILL BE ORGANISED
Train traffic control will be managed from the Unified Dispatch Centre using cameras, monitors, and a digital city map.
The fare will be 200 tenge. Passengers will be able to pay using an LRT card, a bank card, via QR, FacePay, a phone, or a smartwatch.
A standard LRT card will cost 1,000 tenge, while a personalised card will cost 1,200 tenge. Schoolchildren and concessionary passengers will be able to use the line for free. CTS also stated that plans are in place to eventually integrate the payment system with the city's bus cards.
WHAT WILL BE AT THE STATIONS
No shops or cafes are planned at the stations. Only vending machines selling coffee, water, and snacks will be provided for passengers.
The company also stated that since 2016, the project's technical specifications have been significantly improved, while the project cost has remained unchanged.
CONTEXT
This is not the first major transport project to face technical questions. Earlier, the Ministry of Transport also reported a delay in the delivery of Stadler passenger carriages for KTZ, citing differences in technical standards and additional issues with the specification of the rolling stock.