Astana LRT is now Tarlan Astana - CTS explains what will happen to travel cards

The Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) system has been given an official name, "Tarlan Astana," a designation that clarifies its identity rather than signifying a simple renaming. The transport company, CTS, emphasized that this is the assignment of an official name as part of the project's ongoing development, with no additional funding allocated for this purpose. The work will be completed in stages.

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This is not a renaming, but the assignment of an official name. It is being carried out as part of the project. No additional funding is being allocated for these purposes. The work will be carried out in stages.

For years, residents have referred to the system as "Astana LRT," a common global designation for this type of transport. However, this was never its official title. CTS confirmed that passengers who have already purchased and topped up their transit cards can continue to use them. A new design for the transport cards is currently under development, but existing cards remain valid and could even become historical souvenirs.

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Passengers will continue to use cards purchased prior to the determination of the project's official name.

The decision to assign an official name, "Tarlan Astana," was made within the legal framework and after passing all necessary legislative approvals. CTS stated that the naming process was finalized after all required legal approvals were obtained.

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The matter of the official naming was finalized after passing all necessary approvals required by legislation.

According to Astana Maslikhat deputy Baurzhan Kasymbergebaev, the LRT project needed a unique name to foster association with Kazakhstan among tourists and guests. He explained that "LRT" is a technical term, whereas many light rail systems worldwide have distinctive names that resonate more with the public. While acknowledging that distancing the project from its controversial past was a factor, Kasymbergebaev clarified that it was not the primary motivation for assigning the official name.

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LRT is a technical term for a type of transport, whereas in many countries, light rail systems have their own unique names that are more recognizable and familiar to residents.