On May 9, the government approved the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers developed by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), which determine the procedure for implementing and monitoring the investments from RRF in the amount of EUR 24.27 million for the purchase of electric buses and low-floor trams, as well as installation of electric vehicle charging stations in Riga.
"Travelling to work, school, kindergartens and other destinations by public transport is an essential part of the daily life of many residents. I am pleased that we are gradually moving forward, implementing changes in the field of transport, which will provide greater convenience and comfort to people. At the same time the replacement of old vehicles is a benefit for all residents, as environmental pollution and noise level will decrease," remarks Janis Vitenbergs, Minister of Transport.
The purpose of the RRF investment is to provide emission-free vehicles in the city's public transport, promoting the reduction of public transport emissions and improving the availability of public transport, the level of passenger amenities and safety for all population groups. The public transport system in Riga consists of more than 700 public transport units, including 265 buses with EURO 2 and EURO 3 engines to be replaced by low-emission or low-emission vehicles.
The RFF funding in the total amount of EUR 24.27 million is available for the purchase of electric buses and low-floor trams, as well as for the installation electric vehicle charging stations for them, specifically EUR 10 million for the purchase of 4 low-floor trams and EUR 14.27 million for the purchase of 17 electric buses and installation of 7 electric charging stations.
The recipient of RRF funds is Riga municipal limited liability company “Rigas satiksme” - public transport operator providing public transport services by buses, trolleybuses and rail public transport. Riga City Council has concluded a contract for the provision of public transport services with “Rigas satiksme”.
In total, RRF funding in the amount of EUR 295 million is planned for the measures of the greening reform of the Riga metropolitan area transport system, such as purchase of electric buses and low-floor trams in Riga, as well as installation of electric vehicle charging stations.The reform aims to decrease the negative impact of transport on the quality of the urban environment and to develop integrated public transport services that meet the needs of the residents by strengthening the role of rail as the backbone of public transport. It is expected that the reform will contribute to changing the daily habits of population and encourage residents to shift from private transport to public, which in turn will contribute positively to the achievement of the European Green Deal.
