From 110 to 150 tenge: bus fare increase dates postponed in Astana

Tengrinews.kz — Bus fares in Astana are set to increase from 110 to 150 tenge starting in mid-December. The city administration has announced the new timeline.
According to the akimat (city administration), fares have been adjusted only once in the past 12 years and currently stand at 110 tenge. Meanwhile, key expenses for carriers—including fuel costs, spare parts, new buses, and driver salaries—have risen significantly.

"While in 2014 the average driver's salary was around 100,000–150,000 tenge, it currently starts from 700,000 tenge, depending on the bus class and work schedule," the akimat reported.

The agency also noted that by 2026, the average calculated cost of a single trip will significantly exceed current fare levels.
"Due to rising operating costs and the need to ensure stable public transport services, continue fleet modernization, and expand the route network, starting from mid-December it is proposed to set the cashless payment fare at 150 tenge," the official statement reads.
As a reminder, the akimat previously announced plans to raise the fare starting December 1.
Who is eligible for free bus travel in Astana
The city administration noted that the right to free travel is granted to the following categories of citizens:

Veterans and disabled persons of the Great Patriotic War and equivalent persons.
Pensioners by age and length of service, as well as recipients of state social benefits for age and loss of breadwinner who have reached retirement age.
Mothers of large families.
Large families.
Persons with disabilities.
Children with disabilities under eighteen, as well as one of their parents (legal representatives).
Victims of political repression among the participants of the events of December 17-18, 1986, in Kazakhstan, rehabilitated under the law "On the Rehabilitation of Victims of Mass Political Repression."

Furthermore, since March 2020, free travel has been available for children under 18 studying in Astana.