Within the framework of the European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy programs for 2021–2027, municipalities have access to a total of almost more than €75 million for the implementation of mobility hubs, i.e., the Stacija 2.0 concept. In the first project selection round, nine projects received EU funding – eight in Riga and one in Cēsis, while in the second project selection round, the Central Finance and Contracting Agency received 59 project applications. In the second selection round, the available ERDF funding for municipalities is €52.6 million, whereas the requested amount exceeds €83 million.
The funding available to municipalities allows them to be flexible and develop solutions tailored to the specific location and the needs of residents. It is planned that by the end of 2029, with investments from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), 25 mobility points will be established in Latvia, promoting residents’ mobility across the entire country.
Overall, in Latvian municipalities, 17 mobility hubs are already being developed with investments from the Recovery Fund and the ERDF. At the same time, to promote mobility in the regions, it is important that public transport transfer points, or mobility hubs, are available throughout the country.
Municipalities are the main implementers of mobility hubs – they know their residents’ needs best, whether a Park & Ride facility is required, bike lanes need to be built, or access to regional buses or city public transport must be ensured. It is about a “service package” – conveniences that may vary in each specific municipality.
When developing mobility hubs, it is essential to ensure accessibility for everyone. Public transport transfer points are planned to be built in a way that is friendly to people with reduced mobility, seniors, and parents with strollers.
The development of mobility hubs is taking place alongside railway modernization, the introduction of new electric trains, and the launch of the zero-emission (BEMU) train project. Today's decisions will determine the mobility we provide not only for today but also for future generations.
