The municipal enterprise Rīgas satiksme has announced a major procurement of new buses. The company plans to acquire 120 vehicles, including electric buses, to gradually replace outdated transport, some of which has been operating in Riga for over 20 years.
The municipal enterprise Rīgas satiksme has announced a procurement for the supply of 120 new buses for public transport in Riga.
The company plans to acquire 60 electric buses and 60 diesel buses. All new vehicles will be articulated — 18 meters long, which will allow for the transportation of more passengers on the busiest routes.
In addition to the main procurement, the enterprise has provided for the possibility of ordering an additional 30 to 90 electric buses within 32 months after signing the contract.
Rīgas satiksme explains the need for renewal by stating that a significant portion of the current bus fleet is already very outdated. Currently, the company has more than 400 buses, many of which have been in operation longer than the standard service life of 12 years. Some vehicles have been used for over 20 years, which increases repair and maintenance costs.
Importantly, this is not only about replacing old vehicles but also about gradually transitioning to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. The procurement specifies requirements for safety, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and accessibility of transport.
It is planned that the new buses will feature updated interiors, different seat upholstery materials, and enclosed driver cabins, which should improve working conditions and enhance safety.
The winner of the tender will be chosen not only based on price. Among the criteria are fuel or electricity consumption, warranty conditions, and the emission levels of diesel buses.
In fact, Rīgas satiksme is trying to reduce future operating costs rather than simply purchasing the cheapest buses.
Interest in the procurement has already been shown by ten bus manufacturers. Some companies are ready to supply both diesel models and electric buses. The preliminary cost of the entire procurement is estimated at approximately 60–65 million euros.
To finance the project, the enterprise plans to take out a bank loan. The possibility of attracting funds from European Union funds for the purchase of electric buses is also being considered.
Against the backdrop of rising costs for maintaining old vehicles and EU pressure to reduce emissions, the renewal of the bus fleet is becoming one of the largest transport investments in Riga in recent years.
