Latvia weighs fare hikes and discount cuts to fund public transport

Latvia’s Transport Ministry is considering higher ticket prices and changes to fare discounts as it seeks ways to fund public transport from 2027 to 2030, LSM reported. The options are being coordinated with other institutions.

The ministry’s preferred option is to secure an additional 15 million euros for public transport. That would preserve the current discount system while raising ticket prices by an average of 10%.

Without the extra state funding, about 794 bus services could have to be cancelled, according to the ministry’s estimates. The cuts would particularly affect older people, schoolchildren, residents without cars and people living in the regions.

If no extra funding is provided, the ministry considers an average 10% fare increase alongside a review of discounts, with state support capped at 70% of the fare. It says this approach could save almost 7 million euros.

The organization Apeirons, which represents the interests of people with disabilities, has voiced concern. Transport Ministry Deputy State Secretary Kaspars Bērziņš said public transport was essential for many people to reach work, school and health care. He said the ministry was not planning to abolish fare discounts and had to balance budget constraints, maintaining the transport network, ticket prices and passenger support. Any reduction in discounts would not be automatic, he said.