The municipal enterprise Rīgas satiksme plans to increase parking fees and limit benefits for electric vehicle owners, including free parking in the city center, reports TV3.
Currently, the most expensive parking zone of "Rīgas satiksme" is zone R in Old Riga. The first hour costs 5 euros, and each subsequent hour costs 8 euros. No fees are charged for electric vehicles in any parking managed by "Rīgas satiksme".
A concept presented to the deputies in March this year has come into the possession of journalists. It provides for a phased increase in tariffs by 30% across all municipal parking: by 20% next year and by another 10% the following year.
It is also planned to expand paid parking zones, including Pernaavas Street near Grizinkalns. Some existing zones closer to Old Riga will become more expensive.
Starting from 2027, in central zones A and B, electric vehicles will be able to park for free only for one hour. A year later, this rule will extend to all zones of the city. After the first hour, a fee will be charged, with discounts in the initial years. By 2030, a unified tariff for all vehicles is planned.
In zone R of Old Riga, benefits for electric vehicles may be completely abolished as early as next year.
The management of "Rīgas satiksme" emphasizes that tariffs have not been revised for 10 years. At the same time, everyone acknowledges that the problem is longstanding, and the company's data shows that in zone A, occupancy during peak hours reaches 95%, which effectively means no available spaces. The first attempts to address the issue were made four years ago, but the study prepared at that time did not receive further development.
The revenues of "Rīgas satiksme" from parking average 10–12 million euros per year. With the maximum implementation of the reform, revenues could increase by more than 8 million euros per year.
For the changes in parking policy to take effect as early as next year, the Riga City Council must make decisions no later than May–June of this year. According to unofficial information, deputies are already considering that against the backdrop of rising fuel prices, the additional financial burden on drivers may affect party ratings ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Therefore, it is possible that the reform will be implemented only partially, postponed, or frozen.
