Taxi drivers in Astana seek permission to utilize bus lanes equally
In the bustling city of Astana, taxi drivers are encountering difficulties in obtaining permits to use dedicated lanes, a situation that primarily affects individual entrepreneurs. This issue, which has been ongoing since 2024, according to Gabit Shaykin, an advisor of "Aparu", has sparked discussions among the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and other relevant parties.
The root of the problem appears to be the regulatory and organizational distinctions between independent operators and those linked to centralized taxi services or car parks. Taxi drivers affiliated with car parks, which typically operate under a formal organizational structure, often find it easier to comply with regulatory requirements and permit applications due to collective administrative support.
In contrast, individual taxi drivers, who operate independently, lack this collective support. This shortage complicates their ability to secure necessary permits, as they must individually meet all regulatory criteria without the backing of a centralized company or service platform.
The difficulties faced by individual entrepreneurs in obtaining permits to use the dedicated lanes remain unresolved. Yerlan Shaiakhmetov, the founder of the company "Aparu", has stated that obstacles were put up when drivers tried to obtain permits. A representative of an aggregator reported rejections for drivers trying to use the public transport dedicated lane, while drivers affiliated with car parks have no such issues.
Taxi parks, on the other hand, are reportedly obtaining permits to use the bus lane through authorized bodies, who then pass them on to drivers for a fee, averaging around 15,000 tenge per month.
Rinat Sagnaev, the head of the road safety department in Astana, has advised taxi drivers to resubmit their application for using the dedicated lanes. He also promised a thorough review of the application and a final response. The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs will continue discussions with all parties involved regarding the issue.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, finding solutions to such issues will be crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient transportation system for all residents and visitors of Astana.
- The regulatory and organizational distinctions between individual taxi drivers and those linked to centralized taxi services or car parks have made it challenging for business owners in the automotive industry to comply with permit requirements in the transportation sector, as individual entrepreneurs lack the collective support that established companies enjoy in finance and administration.
- In the ongoing debate about the difficulties faced by individual entrepreneurs in obtaining permits to use dedicated lanes, it has been reported that while drivers affiliated with car parks can secure permits through authorized bodies, individual drivers have been encountering rejections, leading to discussions among the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, finance regulators, and other relevant business groups.
- As the city of Astana continues to evolve, there is a need for the finance, automotive, and transportation industries to collaborate in finding solutions to address the issues affecting individual entrepreneurs, ensuring a harmonious and efficient transportation system for all residents and visitors in the growing city.
