Astana to start constructing BRT system in June 2014

Astana will start constructing its Bus Rapid Transport system in June 2014, Tengrinews reports citing the Akim (Mayor) of Astana Imangaly Tasmagmbetov. "The construction works of the first phase of the BTR project - busses running along dedicated lanes - will begin in June 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in 2016. The project will a total of 63km of lanes will be finalised entirely only in 2019. It will cover both the Left Bank (high-end part of Astana city located on the left bank of the Ishim River) and the Right Bank that has a more intense passenger traffic flow," Tasmagambetov said. He pointed out that the project would offer people a convenient public transport and improve the road traffic management in the city. Besides, it might inspire more people to use public transport instead of private cars and reduce traffic load on the city's streets. The project has all the funding it needs, according to the Mayor. By Renat Tashkinbayev