Transport and communications sector activity in 2024 continued to be affected by challenges related to the geopolitical situation. At the same time, as emphasized by Minister of Transport (MoT) Kaspars Briškens, last year the ministry and sector companies continued implementing measures in priority areas – advancing the Green Deal, ensuring safety and accessibility, promoting good governance, and strengthening international competitiveness.
Significant projects in the road sector and promotion of safer micromobility
Key initiatives in the road sector included attracting European Union (EU) Military Mobility funding and starting the construction of a new bridge over the Salaca River in Salacgrīva, which is planned for completion this year. A new steel-concrete girder bridge is being built to replace the old one, which will also provide convenient and safe pedestrian infrastructure. Additionally, last year the government made a decision regarding the transport sector’s second public-private partnership project – the reconstruction of the A7 section “Riga – Bauska – Lithuanian border” from the Ķekava bypass to Bauska, also known as the Bauska bypass. This year, preparations for the bypass’s procurement process are planned.
In total, roadworks were carried out on 525 km of state roads last year. This includes the construction of 49 km of local roads funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as part of the Administrative Territorial Reform. These projects improved access to municipal centers and enhanced mobility for residents in the regions. Additionally, 11 bridges were reconstructed or renovated, and projects to improve road safety on state roads were implemented.
At the end of last year, legislation was amended to increase the road usage fee (vignette) for trucks over 3 tons starting in 2025. These changes support the transition toward the EU's green goals while also securing funding for road infrastructure improvements, in line with EU regulations in this area. Revenue collected from the vignette fees is planned to be allocated toward the construction of the country’s main roads.
To improve road safety, funding has been secured for the installation of average speed cameras on 17 road sections in 2025, as well as for various road safety improvement projects. Last year also saw the introduction of additional regulatory requirements to ensure safer use of micromobility devices — including mandatory helmet use and registration for electric scooters, among other measures.
With RRF funding of €34.5 million, the development of a unified bicycle route has begun in Riga and the surrounding municipalities of Ropaži, Ķekava, Mārupe, and Ādaži, covering a total length of 52 km. In addition, funding of €26.4 million — including €22.5 million from EU funds — has been allocated for the creation of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along roads and in municipal areas, covering at least 60 km.
More convenience in regional public transport and improved accessibility
In total, approximately 41 million passengers used regional public transport — trains and buses — last year, an increase of 4% compared to 2023. Last year, train services were fully operated with all 32 new electric trains. Residents appreciated the more comfortable train rides — in 2024, a total of 19.45 million passengers traveled by train, which is a 13.5% increase compared to 2023. To promote sustainable micromobility, EU funds have been provided for the installation of bicycle racks on all new electric trains.
Four new railway stops have been built along railway lines: “Bieriņi/Children’s Hospital,” “Medemciems,” “Dauderi,” and “Šmerlis.” By the end of 2024, 46 out of 77 stops on the electrified railway lines will offer convenient access to train services. Additionally, the availability of Latvian Railways’ mobile lift service has been expanded to 20 stations and stops, up from the previous 10.
Last year, an investment program called Station 2.0 was launched to improve station infrastructure for municipalities. A total of €88 million is available for this program, including €75 million from EU funds.
Last year, 21.53 million passengers traveled by bus, which is 4% less than in 2023. Modern buses are now operating in 13 out of 16 regional route network areas, and from January 1 this year, in one additional area, offering more comfort to passengers. Also last year, regional commercial bus routes were launched on lines between Riga and Liepāja, Riga and Daugavpils, Riga city center and Riga Airport, Riga and Ventspils, and Riga and Balvi.
In 2024, preparatory work was carried out to implement a pilot project this year: a unified ticket for travel within Zone A on city and regional railway routes in the Riga metropolitan area, including transfers between trains.
Last year also saw the establishment of the Mobility Equality and Accessibility Advisory Council, which, in its first year of operation, implemented a range of initiatives in cooperation with transport sector companies and experts representing user interests, to promote mobility and improve travel quality for people with disabilities.
More accessible electronic communications and postal services.
Last year, the use of the middle-mile optical network continued to expand. A total of 17 electronic communications operators — including 11 regional internet and cable television service providers — are now using the middle-mile broadband optical network to deliver services to end users, such as institutions and organizations. Altogether, the operators have leased slightly more than 7,000 km of optical network from the “Latvian State Radio and Television Centre” (LVRTC). The network is most extensively used in the Vidzeme region, where over 2,365 km of optical network have been leased.
Better and safer connectivity, more opportunities for travelers.
Last year, significant changes were implemented at RIX Riga Airport – a solar panel park was installed on the terminal roof, providing partial "green" energy supply to the terminal. The replacement of airport ground equipment with more environmentally friendly alternatives was also initiated. With EU funding, the reconstruction of aircraft stand No. 4 is planned to ensure dual-use infrastructure for both civilian and military purposes. In addition, work continues on the large-scale airport passenger terminal expansion project.
Key improvements for passengers include a dedicated security check line for those traveling with children under the age of seven, and the opening of the first “Kepler Club” hotel – a new concept offering overnight stays in Baltic airports.
Riga Airport has become the first Baltic airport to establish a regular direct cargo connection with “Lufthansa Cargo.”
In 2024, the air navigation service provider “Latvijas Gaisa satiksme” (LGS) managed 235.3 thousand flights – a 14.5% increase compared to 2023. A significant development for the industry was the preparatory work completed last year for the construction of a new air traffic control tower, set to begin operations at the end of 2026. To improve air traffic safety, LGS also modernized its air control systems and supported Baltic airspace patrol missions based out of Lielvārde airfield.
airBaltic also launched a Technical Academy, enrolling its first students in three specialized programs aimed at training future professional aircraft technicians.
Last year, the “Civil Aviation Agency” (CAA) introduced a digital platform for managing and monitoring drone operations, helping to reduce risks from unauthorized drone flights, especially near airports. The unmanned aircraft information system, developed with EU support, also provides law enforcement and defense authorities with more effective responses to unauthorized drone activity. By the end of 2024, the system had more than 17,000 registered users.
In 2024, investment projects worth a total of EUR 128.5 million were implemented in the Liepāja Special Economic Zone (SEZ), including: fish processing by “Syfud,” the “Liepājas” water terminal, “Golden Fields Factory LV,” and “Norplast Piemare” large-scale fiberglass structure manufacturing facility. Additionally, construction work began last year in the Liepāja Industrial Park, on the territory of the former metallurgy plant, and a declaration was signed on the establishment of the Liepāja Sustainable Industry Center. This center unites at least seven strategically significant investment projects related to renewable resources – an offshore wind support base, green hydrogen production and terminal, CO2 capture and reuse in manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, innovative plants for the renewable energy sector, and the manufacturing of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The transformation also continues at the Freeport of Ventspils, with the development of a renewable energy cluster and the export of various food products and Latvian goods. In cooperation with “Witteveen+Bos,” a study was carried out on adapting the Port of Ventspils to serve offshore wind farms. “PurpleGreen Energy C (PurpleGreen)” plans to expand operations and green ammonia output, aiming for 550,000 tons annually over a twenty-year period. In 2024, a project to reconstruct and upgrade access roads was completed, restoring or constructing 19 road segments totaling nearly 13 kilometers. To strengthen the Freeport’s position in handling bulk liquids and chemical cargo, a berth on the Northern Pier in Ventspils Port was reconstructed.
In terms of environmental care, the “Latvian Maritime Administration” (LJA), in cooperation with the MoT, implemented a project funded by the RRF. This project enables agents of ships arriving at Latvian ports to submit reports on waste delivered during port visits electronically in a unified system alongside other formalities.
