The bus station is generally not bad. Convenient location, clean and tidy. I was traveling from Shymkent to Almaty. The only thing that upset me was the intrusive drivers who tried to lure me into buses with a non-working air conditioner. It spoiled the impression a bit. But otherwise, everything is fine — the trip was comfortable, the buses are clean, the service is on the level.
It used to be cheaper, now I don't know. Here, too, you can buy everything you need for your home, for children, and for yourself. Buses travel between cities.