Kazakhstan to Launch Self-Driving Taxi Service in 2026

Gizzat Baitursynov, head of the Committee on Digital Assets and Breakthrough Technologies at the Kazakh Ministry of AI and Digital Development, has said that Astana is set to introduce a self-driving taxi service in 2026.

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between the Astana city administration, the Ministry of AI and Digital Development, Ministry of Transport, and Yandex Qazaqstan to develop the project, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Officials highlight that autonomous technologies can reduce accidents by minimizing human error, optimize traffic, and improve transport accessibility for different groups of residents.

Baitursynov emphasized the importance of addressing safety, liability, human-algorithm interaction, and preparing a regulatory framework to ensure that self-driving taxis operate legally and transparently. He added that the service is part of a broader “smart city” ecosystem designed to serve people’s needs.

The project will be launched in phases, starting with a pilot and limited testing, allowing authorities to adapt the service to real urban conditions.