The city of Astana is set to advance its public transport infrastructure with the procurement of 100 electric buses, funded by a €50 million senior loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This financing, approved will support the expansion of the city’s electric bus fleet, contributing to Kazakhstan’s clean mobility efforts.
The electric buses will be operated by City Transportation Systems LLP, a municipally-owned company responsible for managing Astana’s public transportation. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by replacing traditional diesel and CNG buses with environmentally friendly electric alternatives. It will also encourage a shift from private to public transport, offering more reliable and safer services.
This initiative aligns with Astana’s broader goal of promoting sustainable urban transport through the introduction of electric buses and the ongoing development of the city’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. With this project, Astana will significantly reduce noise pollution, tailpipe emissions, and contribute to the city’s climate goals.
The total project cost is €50 million, with the EBRD providing long-term financing that is currently unavailable through local commercial banks. Environmental and Social Due Diligence is already underway, with an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) set to ensure compliance with international standards.
The project is supported by technical cooperation grants, including funds from the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund (SIF), which will assist with technical due diligence, procurement, and implementation.
Astana’s electric mobility expansion is a key milestone in its efforts to modernize and decarbonize its public transport system, ensuring a greener future for the city and its residents.
