On the 14th of December the Saeima approved Jānis Vitenbergs as Latvia’s new Minister of Transport. He will be working on activities and measures intended to develop a safe, convenient and environment-friendly transport infrastructure that will contribute to residents’ mobility and change their everyday travel habits, as reported by Ministry of Transport.
According to Vitenbergs, the transport’s biggest challenge is making traffic «greener», considering that motor vehicles are one of the biggest sources of air pollution in the world. The minister also said Latvia, like the rest of Europe, will continue developing its railway infrastructure using both the state budget and money provided by EU funds.
The ministry adds that new and modern trains will be coursing in Latvia next year: Riga-Jelgava, Riga-Aizkraukle, Riga-Skulte and Riga-Tukums. At the same time, it is planned to complete the modernisation of railway stations and stops by the end of 2023, as well as construct 48 higher train platforms, as well as implement projects to improve safety and speed.
According to Vitenbergs, enhancement of railway traffic requires continued work on Rail Baltica project, where the most important tasks will be the tender for construction of Rail Baltica’s main lane and commencement of construction outside Riga’s priority route Misa-Lithuanian border. Construction of Riga Central Station hub and the railway section leading to Riga International Airport will also continue, as well the development of Salaspils Intermodal freight terminal system, regional Rail Baltica stations and infrastructure maintenance centre.
«Regional public transport plays an important role in ensuring increased mobility for Latvia’s residents. We expect regional bus traffic will become more convenient and comfortable thanks to new and modern buses in the second half of 2023. It is also planned to expand the public transport ticket system to regional passenger transports. This will let residents purchase a single ticket to cover their entire trip from the start to destination for regional routes,» said Vitenbergs.
As part of the Recovery Fund’s initiated reform, it is planned to develop and integrated and sustainable public transport plan for Riga metropolitan area. EU funding is planned to be used to continue the modernisation of car parks in Latvia’s cities and procure more environment-friendly buses.
The minister said next year it planned to continue improving the country’s road infrastructure, with emphasis put on regional and local roads, as well as bridge construction.
«To promote safer and more convenient everyday travel for cyclists and pedestrians, we plan to continue development of micro-mobility infrastructure. Next year we plan to commence construction of multiple cycling-pedestrian road sections,» said Vitenbergs.
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Latvia’s new Minister of Transport promises to focus on railway, motorway and public transport infrastructure
