On Tuesday, 19 November, the government approved the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations to establish a multimodal public transport network with at least 20 public transport connection points, or Stacija 2.0, an investment programme for municipalities, developed by the Ministry of Transport. The aim is to enable municipalities to improve their stations, thus promoting convenient, sustainable and diversified mobility for citizens and strengthening rail as the backbone of public transport. Under these regulations municipalities and municipal corporations will be able to apply for funding to implement 25 Station 2.0 projects.
"In meetings with municipal leaders, the need to improve the stations in their municipial areas became clear. The Ministry of Transport's project Station 2.0 will directly help municipalities to achieve this goal. Improved stations, lighting, parking spaces, bike racks, and access roads from the station to the bus stops - we have enabled municipalities to make public transport more convenient and accessible for their citizens with funding from the European Union. I invite municipalities to apply!" says Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens.
The Cabinet of Ministers' Regulation "Measure 2.3.1.2 "Multimodal public transport network" of the Specific Support Objective 2.3.1 "Promoting sustainable urban mobility" of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027" sets out the conditions for the acquisition of funding and the project implementation procedure for the establishment of a multimodal public transport network.
The total eligible funding for the implementation of the projects is €88.7 million, including €75.4 million from EU funds (European Regional Development Fund and national co-financing (municipal and private) of not less than €13.3 million. At least five projects are to be implemented by 30 June 2026 and at least 20 by 31 December 2029. If, based on the mid-term review, the European Commission decides after 1 January 2026 to grant flexibility funding, a total of at least 25 projects is to be implemented by 31 December 2029.
The rules provide for financial support in the form of grants for the development of public infrastructure in the territory of Latvia to promote the development of a multimodal public transport network with rail as the backbone of the public transport system, while also promoting micro-mobility. The project will establish public transport connection points while promoting the development of micro-mobility (bicycles, scooters, etc.), parking infrastructure, conventional power charging infrastructure and suitable charging infrastructure, including the use of smart, digital and environmentally friendly solutions.
The objective of the measures to be implemented is to promote a change in travel behaviour among the population by creating a competitive public transport offer in relation to private transport, thereby contributing to reducing the negative environmental impact of transport and increasing the energy efficiency of the transport sector.
