The Ministry of Transport has temporarily suspended the planned reduction of state subsidies for regional bus routes by approximately 16% in 2026, public media report.
This was reported by representatives of the Road Transport Administration (RTA) at a meeting with the Latvian Passenger Carriers Association (LPCA).
The association warns that reducing the network by 11 million km could lead to a loss of revenue amounting to 4.3 million euros and a decrease in the number of transported passengers by 3.3 million people. In each part of the route network, it was planned to reduce flights with low profitability.
Chairman of the RTA Board Janis Lapins explained that the changes are suspended pending the results of budget negotiations.
"We have taken a pause to avoid changing the route network multiple times and to provide the public with a clear plan for its development. Discussions are already underway to seek additional funding," said Lapins.
The RTA is also continuing to work on the strategy for commercial routes. "Commercial flights do not mean the closure of a route. They will operate on entrepreneurial principles, without state subsidies, but buses will arrive at the stops," Lapins explained.
