UNDP Kazakhstan: Eco-driving week in Almaty

Their scope covered GHG emissions reductions and fuel cost savings through driving culture and implementing these programs in the southern capital. Twenty seven instructors from driving schools, taxi companies and bus depots of the city have been trained within Eco-driving week. They learned basic rules of eco-driving and discussed possibilities of fuel savings and reduction of emissions from transport. Thanks to the practical training, some instructors managed to change their driving manner and save around 1.5 liters of fuel per 20 km, UNDP Kazakhstan said. Altynbek Taldybayev, who was in charge for organizing the training for tram, trolley and bus drivers, thanked his Austrian colleagues for efficient program and practical tips. He noted that eco-driving has good prospects to be implemented in Almaty and a new training center within the municipal bus company will try to introduce this program among municipal bus companies drivers in the coming months. Eco-driving issues were further discussed at the roundtable in Akimat of Almaty city led by Mr. Ilyin, Deputy Akim. Heads of municipal and private transportation companies, taxi companies and Almaty driving schools association discussed recommendations of Austrian colleagues and noted the need of introducing international practices in Kazakhstan and, in particular, providing a legislative framework for fuel-efficient and environmental friendly driving training requirements for beginners and qualified drivers, certification of trainers and involvement of companies exploiting significant number of vehicles into this program. "Almaty should become a pilot region where the training program is implemented as the rate of emissions from vehicles and road accidents is very high and the city needs practical programs which can facilitate in achieving a new level of driving culture", - Mr. Ilyin said. Eco-driving trainings benefits in Austria prove the possibility of 20% fuel savings. Except this, eco-driving increases safety, reduces service costs, as well as noise and contamination. For further information you may contact Ms. Yelena Yerzakovich, Project Manager of CAST project.