Regional bus and train fares could rise by up to 10% in 2027

Regional public transport fares in Latvia could rise by up to 10% in 2027, after the Public Transport Council backed regular fare reviews, LSM reported, citing a Transport Ministry briefing submitted for approval.

The Road Transport Administration told the LETA news agency that any fare changes depend on how much funding is allocated to the public transport network in 2027 and the scale of services ordered. The Public Transport Council will make the final decision after considering scenarios put forward by the administration.

Any increase would apply to both buses and trains because the same fare tariff is used for both. If the state budget cannot provide enough funding to introduce annual indexation in regional transport contracts, the ministry says substantial offsetting measures will be needed. These could include optimizing routes, changing fare policy and introducing co-payments for passengers who receive fare concessions.

A fare increase of up to 10% in 2027 could generate about 3.25 million euros in additional annual ticket revenue, assuming passenger numbers remain at their current level. The ministry says this would partly cover rising service costs and reduce the need for additional state funding. From 2028, revenue from digitalization projects could also partly offset the cost of indexation.

The ministry cited the 6.8% fare increase in 2026 compared with 2025, which is forecast to bring in about three million euros more if passenger numbers remain at the 2025 level through the end of the year. It also modeled requiring some groups that currently receive a 100% fare concession to pay about 20% of the full ticket price.