On June 30, the government approved amendments to the regulatory framework proposed by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) regarding the implementation of the public transport hub or “Station 2.0” concept.
The purpose of the amendments is to use available investments more efficiently by reallocating €13.9 million in funding from the originally planned third project selection round to the second selection round. This increases the amount of funding available in the second round and enables a larger number of projects to be implemented.
At the same time, the third selection round is being removed from the regulations.
The amendments are made to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 726 of 19 November 2024, which governs the implementation conditions of the European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027 specific objective 2.3.1 “Promoting sustainable multimodal mobility in cities” and measure 2.3.1.2 “Multimodal public transport network”. The amendments maintain the existing project implementation deadlines and national indicators.
Overall, the amendments will promote more efficient use of EU funds, accelerate the development of a multimodal public transport network, and improve mobility opportunities for residents of Latvia.
In the second project application selection round, 59 project applications were submitted for a total amount of €83.4 million, which is significantly higher than the funding available in the second round—€52.6 million. By reallocating €13.9 million from the third round to the second, it is possible to provide support to a broader group of applicants and accelerate the implementation of investments. This allows projects to start earlier and ensures a longer implementation period, which helps reduce project implementation risks and risks related to the use of EU funding.
The “Station 2.0” concept enables municipalities to create convenient public transport connection points (mobility hubs) for residents, while also promoting safe micromobility and supporting the development of parking infrastructure and standard charging infrastructure, including the use of smart, digital, and environmentally friendly solutions. The funding allows municipalities to improve areas adjacent to stations/bus terminals by installing lighting, free parking spaces, bicycle parking facilities, improving access roads from stations/bus terminals to the bus stops, as well as making other improvements.
Overall, the total eligible funding planned for project implementation is €88.7 million for at least 25 projects, including EU funding (European Regional Development Fund financing of €75.4 million) and national co-financing (municipalities and municipal enterprises) of no less than €13.3 million. According to the regulatory framework, financial support is provided in the form of grants for the development of public infrastructure within the territory of the state.
