In 2026, the Ministry of Transport will continue the measures already underway to implement its priorities: advancing the green transition, ensuring safety and accessibility, improving good governance, and strengthening international competitiveness. As part of the green transition, the Ministry will further develop accessible, high-quality public transport that meets modern standards, strengthening rail as the backbone of the public transport system.
In 2026, EUR 159 million is allocated to regional public transport. A reform of the regional route network is planned, including the introduction of a unified ticketing system and the use of real-time data. With support from the European Social Fund, on-demand transport services will be introduced in sparsely populated areas, and the conditions for commercial passenger transport will be improved.
With EUR 104.6 million in EU funding, the battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train project will be implemented, ensuring rail services on non-electrified railway lines by 2029, primarily on the Riga–Cēsis and Riga–Daugavpils routes, thereby improving regional connectivity with Riga.
In 2026, the “Station 2.0” programme will continue, providing municipalities with more than EUR 60 million EU funding to improve public transport connections. In the first selection round, EUR 10.8 million have been allocated to nine projects—eight in Riga and one in Cēsis. Overall, EUR 88 million is available to municipalities for the implementation of the Station 2.0 concept, including EUR 75 million in EU funding.
With support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the greening of public transport in Riga and the Pierīga region is planned to be completed, including the purchase of electric buses, the construction of charging stations and mobility hubs, the extension of tram line No. 7, the development of cycling infrastructure, and the completion of works at the southern part of Riga Central Station. Work will also begin on creating an integrated public transport network in the Riga region with a unified ticket and coordinated routes.
In 2026, the unified ticket pilot project in Riga and Zone A will continue, encouraging residents to choose public transport over private cars.
The total Ministry of Transport budget for the development of the transport and communications sector in 2026 will amount to EUR 805.4 million, including EUR 311 million EU funds investment.
