Kazakhstan eyes driverless taxi service launch in 2027

Driverless taxis are planned for launch in Kazakhstan in 2027, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev said at a government session.

According to him, the ministry is also working on regulating the sector, while robotaxi testing in Almaty is helping to draft the necessary legal framework.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov inquired about the timeline for the robotaxi launch.

«The first driverless car is currently operating in Almaty in test mode, gaining experience and mapping the roads. We need to cover several thousand kilometers in this mode, after which we will be able to offer the first commercial rides,» Yandex Qazaqstan CEO Timur Shalekenov said.

Madiyev noted that the pilot project has been launched in three cities: Astana, Almaty and Kosshy in the Akmola Region. The commercial launch of driverless taxis is scheduled for 2027.

In August, the government approved the rules for conducting the pilot, which provide for the operation of autonomous vehicles, including driverless taxi services.

Previously, Kursiv Cars reported that the robotaxi being prepared for launch in Kazakhstan was shown in Almaty.