Today, March 7, the government approved the informative report prepared by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) on the attraction of 74.4 million euros from the Recovery Fund for the purchase of at least seven battery-powered electric trains for the implementation of the public transport Green Deal in Riga and Pieriga.
The purchase of suburban battery-powered electric trains (BEMU trains) is planned to ensure better integration of railway passenger transport in the overall public transport system of the city of Riga. BEMU trains will provide passenger transportation on non-electrified lines, thus improving the quality of the services provided. Also, the benefits of battery electric trains will be felt by those living near the railway tracks, because such modern trains are quieter and pollute the environment less.
"This decision is a big step towards more convenient and environmentally friendly passenger traffic. Bolderaja, which is one of the largest neighborhoods of Riga, is actually separated from the city. The new trains on the Riga - Bolderāja route will ensure closer connectivity with the center of the capital, which is important for residents of the area, visitors, as well as for a number of large Latvian companies located in this part of the city. No less important is Riga – Sigulda route. The new electric trains will replace the old diesel trains, providing much more comfortable and modern passenger transportation," says Minister of Transport Jānis Vitenbergs.
The informative report provides that the Road Transport Directorate (ATD) will purchase seven BEMU trains by June 30, 2026. Also, ATD will organize public transport services on the new railway route Riga - Bolderāja, with a perspective to Daugavgriva and the railway line Riga - Sigulda, in which it is initially planned to involve BEMU trains.
The purchase of BEMU trains takes place in synergy with the electrification plan of the railway network implemented by the State company Latvian Railway, which provides for the development of Bolderaja line.
In total, €295 million of the Recovery Fund financing is planned for the Green Deal of the Riga metropolitan area transport system implemented by the Ministry of Transport. The reform aims to minimise the negative impact of transport on the quality of Riga environment and to develop integrated public transport services that meet the needs of the population, by strengthening the role of rail as the backbone of public transport. The reform is expected to contribute to changing the daily habits of the population and encourage citizens to switch from private transport to public, which in turn will contribute positively to the achievement of the goals of the European Green Deal.
