On June 16, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers (CM) approved amendments to CM regulations developed by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), which allow municipalities to more effectively utilize zero-emission vehicles purchased for student transportation.
The primary goal of the investment is to improve the performance of local government functions and the quality of services provided, with a particular focus on student mobility and the accessibility of the school network.
“We have taken into account the actual needs of local governments, and the government has decided to make more efficient use of school buses. Going forward, local governments will be able to use them not only for transporting students, but also to fulfill other municipal functions, such as transporting seniors to social service centers and transporting amateur arts groups to cultural events. When school transportation is not in operation, having buses idle is an uneconomical and inefficient use of local government resources. “Therefore, these changes will allow for more efficient use of the existing fleet, reduce costs, and provide greater benefits to local residents,” emphasizes Edgars Tavars, Minister of VARAM.
Going forward, it will be permitted for purchased electric buses, which are primarily used for transporting students, to also be used for the implementation of other autonomous municipal functions and for the performance of administrative tasks arising from these functions that do not constitute economic activity. For example, to transport social assistance or social care clients to social service delivery locations, to transport municipal cultural workers to venues for cultural events (or their rehearsals), and for transporting residents in civil protection and emergency situations.
The amendments were drafted taking into account the current needs of local governments, as well as this year’s to ensure wider use of electric buses and reduce their downtime during periods when student transportation is not provided, such as on weekends or during school breaks.
The total investment funding from the Recovery Fund is 7.14 million euros. As a result of the open call for project proposals, 14 contracts for project implementation were signed in 2023. Under these contracts, 19 electric buses were delivered to local governments.
Electric buses have been delivered to the municipalities of Saldus, Ogre, South Kurzeme, Alūksne, Augšdaugava, Madona, Jelgava, Preiļi, Saulkrasti, Dobele, Smiltene, Rēzekne, Bauska, and Balvi.
Expanded opportunities for the use of electric buses will allow municipalities to make more effective use of national and European Union investments, reduce vehicle downtime, and provide residents with higher-quality public services. This regulation has been coordinated with the European Commission and provides more favorable conditions for municipalities compared to the previously applicable rules.
