Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs instructed to ensure that in the future, public transport movement during holidays is planned more effectively, and residents receive timely information about it.
On the holiday of November 18, Rīgas satiksme planned to increase the number of public transport trips after 5:00 PM — 143 additional bus trips, 114 tram trips, and 127 trolleybus trips were anticipated. However, these trips were affected by traffic restrictions imposed due to evening events. The torchlight procession had the greatest impact, causing transport to be redirected to Elizabetes Street, resulting in significant traffic congestion that severely slowed down movement.
Additionally, the Cable-Stayed Bridge was closed for approximately 55 minutes, and tram traffic on Aspazijas Boulevard was halted for 56 minutes.
As previously reported, it was not easy for many residents to reach the holiday events in central Riga on Tuesday evening. Public transport was overcrowded in places. Significant traffic jams formed in the capital's center, as some people were also using personal vehicles. Finding available parking spaces was nearly impossible.
On the day of the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Latvian Republic, public transport in Riga was free. Traffic restrictions were imposed during the holiday events. Street parking managed by Rīgas satiksme was also free of charge.
Rīgas satiksme had previously warned that a more intense flow of people was expected in the city center on the holiday, so larger vehicles would operate on some routes. Additional trips on certain routes were scheduled from 5:00 PM to midnight.
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