Parking fees to increase in Almaty this summer

Tengrinews.kz - Akim (governor) Erbolat Dossaev, answering questions from residents of the Medeu District, spoke about plans to improve air quality in Almaty.
According to Dossaev, the akimat (local government organization) has developed a program for 2025-2027.

"This year, starting in the summer. Some measures will be implemented from July 1, some - from August 1. Firstly, we will significantly increase the cost of parking, as they do in large cities," the akim said.

Following the example of the world's largest megacities, Almaty plans to increase the cost of parking, as well as create low-emission zones. It is assumed that entry into such zones for cars that do not meet modern environmental standards will be paid. However, the restrictions will not affect owners of electric cars and eco-friendly transport.

"They keep telling me about New York that their traffic in upper and lower Manhattan has decreased because they have introduced a corresponding fee. But New York has been preparing for this for many years to introduce it. We assume that if the basis of the transport framework is in place by the end of 2026, we will introduce the first restrictions in 2027. But they will be through payment. Let's say a car is registered in Almaty, but it does not operate according to modern standards. Accordingly, entry into certain areas, for example, the Eastern Bypass Road from the east, will probably be on a paid basis. For those who drive electric cars and new cars, then, of course, these will be free rides," Dossaev said.

Additionally, the akim emphasized the importance of developing underground and surface high-speed public transport, as well as the construction of transport hubs to improve urban mobility.
Previously, Erbolat Dossaev explained why the start of construction of the bus rapid transit along Raimbek Avenue and Zheltoksan Street in Almaty was postponed.