THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ON THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF URBAN BUS TRANSPORT: A CASE STUDY OF ASTANA

Abstract

This article examines the impact of comprehensive digitalisation on the operational efficiency of urban bus transport, using Astana as a case study. The aim of the study is to assess the operational and economic effects of implementing digital fleet management technologies. GPS-based fleet monitoring, an electronic fare collection system, automated dispatching, and analytical data-processing platforms are considered as the key digitalisation tools. The methodological framework of the study includes a comparative analysis of the bus operator’s key performance indicators before and after the introduction of digital solutions, covering the periods 2020–2022 and 2023–2025. The results demonstrate an increase in the fleet deployment rate, a reduction in transport costs, a rise in the share of cashless payments, improved financial transparency, and better passenger service quality. Calculations of the economic effect indicate the high efficiency of digitalisation and a short payback period. The findings confirm that digital technologies are a significant factor in improving the operational sustainability and managerial effectiveness of municipal passenger transport.