On September 29, test operation of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system started in Astana,El.kz reports.

According to City Transportation Systems, this marks an important milestone in the implementation of a large-scale project: testing technical readiness, safety systems, and assessing future travel convenience for residents and visitors of the capital.

What is LRT and why does Astana need it?

Light Rail Transit is a modern type of rail-based public transport that combines the advantages of both metro and tram systems. Trains run on a dedicated line, unaffected by traffic congestion, while construction costs remain significantly lower than those of an underground metro.

For rapidly growing Astana, whose population continues to increase each year with new residential districts, the LRT is expected to become a key element of the transport system, easing pressure on roads and making city travel faster and more comfortable.

A high-tech solution: driverless operation

Astana’s LRT is equipped with the GoA4 hardware and software system, which ensures full automation. The system independently controls train movement, maintains intervals, opens and closes doors, manages depot entry and exit.

In fact, these are driverless trains that operate and stop without human involvement.