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Kazakhstan's urban transportation landscape appears to be undergoing a transformation, with recent data from January revealing a notable shift in how citizens choose to travel. While the total number of passengers saw a slight increase, the revenue generated by transport companies, particularly taxi services, has surged dramatically. This trend suggests a growing preference for more personalized and convenient travel options among Kazakhstanis.

Surge in Transport Revenue Amidst Modest Passenger Growth

Official statistics indicate that the total revenue from urban transport in Kazakhstan reached 46.7 billion tenge in January. This represents a substantial 39.8% increase compared to the same month last year. However, the number of passengers utilizing these services grew by a more modest 10.3%, reaching 154.7 million. The significant gap between revenue growth and passenger volume points towards a clear trend: Kazakhstanis are increasingly opting for private and convenient modes of transport, with taxis leading the charge.

Buses Remain Popular, But Growth Slows

Buses continue to be the most widely used form of public transportation, carrying 126.1 million passengers in January. This figure, however, shows a modest increase of only 2.4% compared to the previous year. Revenue from bus services rose by 17.4% to 22.7 billion tenge. The slower growth in passenger numbers suggests that some urban residents may be transitioning to faster and more convenient alternatives.

Taxi Services Experience Explosive Growth

The taxi service sector stands out with remarkable growth. Revenue from taxis more than doubled, increasing 1.7 times to reach 22.7 billion tenge. The number of passengers using taxis also saw a significant jump, growing 2.1 times to 22.9 million. These figures clearly illustrate a growing preference among city dwellers for taxis over traditional public transport options.

Declining Use of Trams, Trolleybuses, and Cable Cars

Conversely, traditional public transport modes are experiencing a decline in usage. Trolleybuses and trams transported 3.4 million passengers, a decrease of 7.2% from the previous year. Revenue from these services also fell by 5.7% to 286.2 million tenge. While cable car usage saw a 7.7% drop to 2.3 million passengers, its revenue increased by 10% to 870 million tenge, potentially due to fare hikes or an increase in single-trip journeys.

Air and Rail Transport Performance

Revenue from air passenger transport decreased by 13.4% to 71.2 billion tenge, despite a slight 0.9% increase in passenger numbers to 1.2 million. Rail transport carried 1.7 million passengers, a 2.3% decrease, while its revenue increased by 3.2% to 12.6 billion tenge, possibly also influenced by fare adjustments.

Mixed Results in Freight Transport

The freight transport sector shows varied results. Rail freight saw a 2.4% decrease in volume to 36.5 million tons, but revenue grew by 13.2% to 213.3 billion tenge. Pipeline transport moved 19.8 million tons (-8.4%), generating 148.3 billion tenge in revenue (-0.9%). Road and urban freight transport experienced a significant boost, with a 30.4% increase in volume to 31.1 million tons, and revenue rising by 13.5% to 114.8 billion tenge.

Conclusion: Convenience and Speed Trump Tradition

The January 2024 data indicates a clear shift in Kazakhstan, with residents increasingly favoring private transportation, especially taxis. While overall passenger numbers have seen only a marginal increase, the substantial revenue growth highlights changing travel preferences. Traditional public transport options, including buses, trolleybuses, and trams, appear to be gradually losing their appeal.