With the support of the European Union (EU) Cohesion Fund, EUR 44.9 million were spent on improving passenger transport in eight state cities. The old buses have been replaced by modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly buses. The changes are making a positive contribution to a greener future. The modern buses also improve safety in daily traffic and ensure accessibility for people with reduced mobility, parents with baby carriages and other groups.
The transport sector in Latvia is also moving towards climate neutrality, with the modernisation of public transport in the state cities being one of the measures. By the end of this year, 143 modern and environmentally friendly buses are to be purchased in eight Latvian cities - Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jēkabpils, Jūrmala, Rēzekne, Riga, Valmiera and Ventspils. Currently, 106 buses are already in use in the state cities and 37 more will be purchased by the end of this year. The purchase is being co-financed by the EU Cohesion Fund.
The new vehicles are powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, dual diesel and electric drive systems (hybrids). They offer more comfort and are more environmentally friendly, reduce operating costs for the fleets and offer bus drivers more modern working conditions.
Almost every second bus (71 out of 143 buses) purchased as part of projects co-financed by the Cohesion Fund is an electric bus, which enables cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation. Electric buses have been purchased in eight Latvian cities where EU Cohesion Fund projects are being implemented. In Valmiera, the EU funded projects will lead to a complete renewal of the bus fleet, while in the country's other cities, Cohesion Fund resources for the purchase of new, environmentally friendly buses will provide an opportunity for partial renewal of the bus fleet.
Further information on the EU funds and funding areas for the 2014-2020 programming period can be found on the website of the Ministry of Transport: https://www.sam.gov.lv/lv/2014-2020gada-planosanas-periods-0
