Will Almaty switch to new work schedule? – response from akimat

Tengrinews.kz – The Almaty akimat (local government administration) responded to the question of whether the city plans to change working hours to address rush hour traffic congestion.

“Considering that Almaty is overloaded with transport, is there a possibility of shifting the start of the workday? If so, for which organizations and to what time?” – a Tengrinews.kz correspondent asked in an official inquiry.

Here’s what they replied:

“Changes to the schedule of public transportation, including the start time of the workday, are currently not being considered,” the press service of the Almaty akim reported.

Regarding measures to address traffic congestion during peak hours, the akimat stated that the government has approved a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Almaty Agglomeration for 2024–2028.

“This document aims to harmonize and ensure balanced development of social, engineering, and transport infrastructure both in Almaty and the surrounding areas. At the same time, the Almaty akimat is implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce traffic congestion, which includes the development of public transport, improvement of urban infrastructure, and measures to encourage reduced use of personal vehicles,” the akimat noted.

It’s worth recalling that the start of the workday has already been changed in the East Kazakhstan and Almaty regions. Astana is also planning to implement similar changes starting in August.

As of June 16, government institutions in the Almaty region have switched to a new work schedule. The workday now starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.