The city of Astana intends to upgrade its public transportation system by purchasing 100 electric buses. A €50 million senior loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has enabled this endeavor. If accepted, this funding will support the city’s electric bus fleet development, advancing Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote environmentally friendly transportation.
The electric buses will be operated by City transit Systems LLP, a municipally owned company that is in charge of managing Astana’s public transit network. The project aims to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by substituting environmentally friendly electric vehicles with traditional diesel and CNG buses. It will also encourage the transition from private to public transportation, which offers more dependable and safe services.
This project, which will add electric buses and keep improving the city’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, will help Astana achieve its main goal of promoting ecologically friendly urban transportation. With this project, Astana will significantly reduce noise pollution and tailpipe emissions, helping the city to reach its climate goals.
The project will require long-term finance from the EBRD, totaling €50 million. There isn’t yet any money accessible through neighborhood commercial banks. To ensure compliance with international standards, an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) was created, and Environmental and Social Due Diligence is presently being conducted.
