Tengrinews.kz — In Almaty, traffic has been temporarily permitted in bus lanes on several streets due to LRT line construction and road repairs.
According to the Road Infrastructure Development Department, in response to an inquiry from the Almaty Public Council, enforcement cameras for bus lane violations have been deactivated until the end of 2026 on the following sections:
- on Momyshuly Street – up to Monke Bi Street;
- on Tole Bi Street – from Momyshuly Street to Ablai Khan Avenue.
Consequently, motorists are permitted to use the bus lanes in these designated areas for the duration of the works.
What happened
Earlier, Almaty residents complained on social media about receiving fines for driving in bus lanes. Drivers explained that this was a necessary measure due to the ongoing work on Tole Bi Street.
"In connection with the repair works, I request that the camera located on the bus lane be temporarily deactivated. This measure is necessary for safe traffic flow and to bypass congestion," the post stated.
Almaty residents requested that cameras in this specific area be turned off.
Timeline and Route
The city Akimat previously announced that the first LRT line, spanning 18.3 kilometers. It will connect the Alatau District industrial zone with the Almaty-2 railway station.
The route will run along Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Tole Bi streets, continuing down Abylai Khan Avenue to the Rayimbek Batyr transport interchange hub.
"The planned LRT line is an 18.3-kilometer double-track route connecting the Daraboz, 13, Gazhayyp, Nurkent, Alatau City, and Almaly residential areas with the city center. The line will primarily run on a dedicated right-of-way along Momyshuly and Tole Bi streets and Ablai Khan Avenue," stated a document for public discussion regarding the first phase of Almaty's LRT construction.
The line will feature 34 passenger platforms: 12 island-type and 22 side-type. The track gauge will be 1,435 millimeters.
- Tole Bi Street will accommodate 4 island stations and 15 side stations.
- Momyshuly Street will have 5 island stations and 5 side stations.
- Ablai Khan Avenue will feature 3 island stations and 2 side stations.
Construction is scheduled to take place from April 2027 to April 2029.
Read more about the LRT construction in our article.