The Astana Light Metro driverless train service, now known as Tarlan Astana, is in just its second full month of operation yet has already become part of the culture and legacy of the Kazakh capital.
Originally envisioned by the First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, as part of the Kazakhstan 2030 Plan to make the country an economic powerhouse, the service was officially opened on 16 May 2026, some nine years after construction started.
Upon becoming Tarlan’s first passenger in May, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his hope that this development would help the country become a major Eurasian transport hub.
The 22.4-kilometre network includes 18 stations at both ground and elevated levels, all on the route from the city’s Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to the new railway station, Nurly Zhol, passing through the futuristic Left Bank city centre along the way.
Further developments, including an extension to the entire route, are expected, but in the meantime, the service has already conveyed over two million passengers, even in its first full month, according to Astana Times and Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics. The average running speed of the service is 50 kph, the maximum speed 80 kph. The total number of 15 trains (with four in reserve) means that one departs each station every 4-5 minutes.
One local PR executive, Moldir, is really pleased to see this service operational, believing that it has truly become a big plus for city residents.
“Now, many people save time on commutes because they no longer have to sit in traffic jams. I myself have started using the LRT very often. It’s great that the fare is affordable, and the inside is always clean, cool, and comfortable. There are no large crowds, so the ride is relaxing.
“As an Astana resident, I am very pleased with these changes and am pleased to watch the capital develop year on year.”
The service, run by City Transportation Systems, seems set to revolutionise transport in the capital, but has also proved popular as an experience with locals and visitors alike.
Aigul Ilyasseva could be considered both, as she is from Almaty but currently based in Astana. Her view is positive:
“I’ve used it. It’s fast and clean. I think, judging by the whole route, it shows how much the city has grown over the past 30 years and how the new capital identifies itself.”
