Riga public transport is an integral part of city life. Its routes connect all areas of the Latvian capital with its center. It is very convenient to use it, both the natives of Riga and visitors. So, about an hour will be required to move from one end of the city to the other. The rolling stock is in good condition and is constantly updated, following the pace with the times.
Public transport in the capital of Latvia
Historical documents report that the first tram powered by traditional electricity appeared on Riga streets in the summer of 1901. And the first buses entered the route in 1913.
It should be noted that the progenitor of the Riga tram - konka appeared in 1882, and the predecessor of the bus, the omnibus, began to run along the streets of Riga back in 1852.
Riga trolleybuses have their history since 1947. And in 1973, for the first time in Riga, a trolleybus train scheme was successfully applied.
Despite the fact that Riga is the largest city among the capitals of Scandinavia and the Baltic states, it was not able to acquire a subway. The construction of the Riga metro was planned to begin in 1990. The commissioning of the first line of eight stations was planned for 2000-2002, but the construction was canceled due to public protests and the collapse of the USSR.
Currently, the population of the capital of Latvia is about 724 thousand people. In Riga itself there is a central railway station, a main bus station and a port. Near the city there is an international airport. Riga public transport routes are provided by trams, trolleybuses, buses, minibuses (minibuses), and electric trains.
Riga tram
Due to the lack of a city metro, a tram is a very popular way to travel by public transport in Riga. According to residents and visitors, it is very convenient and comfortable to ride trams.
Currently, the park of this type of public transport has been substantially updated. The old and time-tested models were replaced by modern, low-profile and low-noise trams manufactured in the Czechoslovak Republic.
The tram in Riga is considered the most environmentally friendly and fastest mode of transport. Traffic-free during peak hours. It fits perfectly into the urban interior. Therefore, the city authorities give him preference in development for the coming years.
The Riga tram network consists of nine regular routes and one retro route. The network provides about 260 trains that go on the route all year round. The interval of their movement is from 05:00 to 23:00.
Riga trolleybuses
Trolleybus network is a developed public transport in Riga. There are 19 routes that use about 350 trolleybuses. Their traffic system is designed in such a way that a significant part of the routes intersect at a key point - the Central Railway Station. By means of trolleybuses, the central part of Riga is successfully connected to remote areas of the capital.
The park consists mainly of low-profile modern Czech models. The network works seven days a week. On the routes, trolleybuses from 05:00 to 23:00.
Riga buses
These are the most significant Riga carriers. Riga public transport has 53 bus routes. They come out daily more than 470 pieces of equipment. The total length of bus routes is more than 880 km. They are laid in such a way that they allow connecting Riga with suburban settlements.
All buses are exclusively modern models made in Germany and Poland. They work seven days a week. As well as the rest of Riga's public transport, there are buses on the line from 05:00 to 23:00.
Riga minibuses
There are 21 routes in Riga where minibuses (minibuses) operate. They circulate around Riga according to the schedule, strictly adhering to the established route. The cost of the trip is similar to other public modes of transport.
Night public transport
In Riga, for those wishing to explore the nightlife of the city or late arrivals, there are 9 bus night routes. But not all over Riga. From 24:00 to 5:00. Usually with an hourly interval. The cost of the trip: 2 euros when buying a ticket from the driver; 1.15 euros when purchasing a ticket in advance sale.
Riga train
Within Riga it is possible to travel by electric train. Such a trip costs 0.7 euros. However, more often electric trains are used by those who want to go to popular Latvian vacation spots: Lielupe, Bulduri, Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti. The train is also in demand for a trip to Jurmala. To go there from the central Riga station for about 40 minutes, the cost is 1.4 euros.
