Almaty hosted the VI forum «Strategy for the Development of the Transport System of Almaty» within the framework of the WeAlmaty project. The main goal of the forum was to identify the key areas of development of the city's transport system strategy. The event was attended by representatives of the city's mayor's office and transport companies, foreign experts, active citizens. Recommendations, proposals and ideas on the implementation of transport reform in Almaty were voiced.
During the forum, Deputy Mayor of Almaty Erlan Aukenov thanked all those gathered for their active participation at the forum and spoke about the projects being implemented within the framework of transport reform in the city:
«Today, Almaty faces challenges that require rapid and dramatic change. For example: rapid population growth leads to a shortage of transport infrastructure and public transport. Our city has identified a number of important priorities, in which the main role is played by healthy and happy residents. A few weeks ago, Almaty took the first place among Eastern European cities at the international forum in Ljubljana for comprehensive transport reform. Two or three years ago we were just planning these changes, but now we can sum up certain results.»
Aukenov E. noted that the city should be focused on people. To do this, the quality of public transport, cycling infrastructure, the development of a pedestrian environment and the unloading of the road network is improved. International experience is being studied for proper development and many foreign consultants are being worked on.
«A lot has changed in the city: the almaty-1 station reconstruction project has been completed, a lot of attention is paid to civil security, and public spaces, including courtyards and underground pedestrians, are being actively reconstructed. Currently, the second stage is being designed, which will increase passenger traffic. In addition, we are building two more metro stations. The Naourysbay district will be attached to the line, which will also increase passenger traffic in the metro from 46,000 per day to 86-100 thousand. We are also changing the rolling stock of fleets, the renewal of which will be up to 86%, 730 buses will be purchased. Already, the fleet is half full of eco-friendly gas buses, a month ago launched the production of electric buses. It should be noted that for the first time in Kazakhstan launched car sharing, in the fleet of which a hundred cars with a minute payment. All these measures are aimed at improving the ecology, quality of life of citizens and to create a city attractive to tourists«
Also taking part in the forum were British experts - representatives of Transport for Greater Manchester, who are involved in the coordination of transport activities in Manchester, Great Britain. Guests shared their experience of developing and implementing a long-term transport strategy until 2040 for the Manchester metropolitan area.
«There are a lot of similarities to Almaty. A transport strategy has been developed and we are doing everything we can to make Manchester the best in the world. It is important for us that transport is reliable, safe and environmentally friendly, every citizen is important, his trips on any mode of transport and for any distance: big and small. Also in Almaty, residents should have the right to choose any mode of transport, despite the fact that there is a rapid growth of population and traffic. The dialogue platform created today is very important. We also communicate with residents and take into account their views,» said Nicola Kane, head of strategic planning and research at The Manchester State Transport Authority.
The second part of the forum was marked by the active involvement of citizens in the process of discussing the city's transport strategy. To do this, an interactive vorkoshop was organized, during which the citizens expressed their negative and positive perceptions of the transport system of the city of Almaty. All feedback has been reviewed and submitted to relevant organizations.
Also, the citizens presented their models of the development of the transport system in the city, pointing to the most preferred modes of transport and destinations for future development. It is noted that the majority of the forum participants are aware of the importance of the development of public transport and the creation of favorable and safe conditions for both pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
The event was organized by the British Council, the Almaty Development Centre, the Kazakhstan-British Technical University and the Mayor of Almaty as part of the WeAlmaty project, which is financed by the European Union.
