How about deciding between hailing a taxi or renting a vehicle for urban navigation? Let's weigh the pros and cons.

In the bustling city of Astana, the increasing number of cars and the strain on road infrastructure have prompted city authorities to adopt innovative, AI-powered smart city initiatives. These measures aim to optimise traffic flow, improve road safety, and enable predictive incident response, all while promoting sustainable transport solutions.

A key aspect of Astana's strategy is the implementation of AI-driven traffic management systems. These systems integrate video analytics, real-time data, and a digital twin of the city to proactively manage traffic and respond quickly to incidents. This approach enables streamlined mobility and more efficient use of existing road infrastructure [1].

Beyond traffic management, Astana is investing in broader infrastructure modernization and digitalization. National transport infrastructure upgrades are underway, featuring AI-based planning, automation platforms to reduce empty runs, and satellite internet for passengers. These efforts aim to reduce congestion and promote more efficient transport logistics, indirectly alleviating road traffic pressures by enhancing multimodal connectivity [3][5].

The proposed and ongoing solutions for Astana include:

Deploying AI traffic control and real-time traffic data integration via a digital twin of Astana for proactive traffic optimization and faster incident management [1].
Enhancing public transport and freight movement efficiency using automation and digital platforms to reduce manual, paper-based processes and improve transparency and planning [3].
Modernizing national transport infrastructure, such as railways, which can divert freight and some passenger demand from road transport, helping reduce road congestion [3][5].
Aligning with national infrastructure strategies under Kazakhstan’s government initiatives to strengthen transport and energy sectors through comprehensive modernization plans that include digital technologies and sustainability goals [2].

While direct measures like expanding roads or adding new car lanes are not explicitly mentioned, Astana’s approach emphasises leveraging smart, data-driven traffic solutions and digital infrastructure upgrades to improve transport efficiency, reduce congestion, and sustainably cope with the growing number of vehicles [1][3].

City authorities are considering developing taxi and shared services as a solution. Currently, taxi services in the capital are dominated by aggregators, with 95% of orders made using the "on demand" model. Taxi ride costs in Astana are the lowest among comparable countries, averaging approximately 600 tenge per km at purchasing power parity [6].

Car-sharing in Astana is planned to be launched through a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism. Usage conditions for car-sharing may include age and driving experience - at least one year. Foreign citizens will also need a document confirming their right to stay in the country to initiate car-sharing [7].

By 2027, preparations are underway to implement nine grid corridors for high-speed public transport in the capital, with a goal to increase this to 25 corridors by 2035. Key conditions for their effectiveness include continuity of dedicated lanes and increased coverage of streets with dedicated lanes [8].

As Astana continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to smart, sustainable mobility solutions promises to keep the city moving efficiently and sustainably for years to come.

References: [1] Smart Cities Council. (2020). Astana, Kazakhstan, Launches Smart City Initiative. Retrieved from https://smartcitiescouncil.com/resources/astana-kazakhstan-launches-smart-city-initiative

[2] Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2020). National Program for the Development of Transport and Logistics Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.primeminister.kz/ru/documents/national-program-for-the-development-of-transport-and-logistics-infrastructure

[3] ADB. (2018). Kazakhstan: Astana's Smart City Development. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org/features/kazakhstan-astanas-smart-city-development

[4] KPMG. (2018). Smart Cities: A Digital Future for Astana. Retrieved from https://www.kpmg.com/kz/en/issuesandinsights/articlespublications/smartcities-a-digital-future-for-astana.htm

[5] World Bank. (2018). Kazakhstan: Improving Urban Mobility in Astana. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/project/kazakhstan-improving-urban-mobility-in-astana

[6] Numbeo. (2021). Cost of Living in Astana. Retrieved from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Astana

[7] Astana City Administration. (2021). Car-Sharing Service in Astana: Rules and Regulations. Retrieved from https://astana.gov.kz/ru/news/car-sharing-service-in-astana-rules-and-regulations

[8] Astana City Administration. (2021). High-Speed Public Transport Grid in Astana: Plans and Prospects. Retrieved from https://astana.gov.kz/ru/news/high-speed-public-transport-grid-in-astana-plans-and-prospects

How about deciding between hailing a taxi or renting a vehicle for urban navigation? Let's weigh the pros and cons.