On January 30, the passenger train operator "Vivi" presented the first electric train equipped with bicycle racks. It is planned that all 32 new electric trains will be equipped with bicycle racks by the end of May this year.
"We have corrected a historical shortcoming and, in collaboration with the manufacturer, have begun installing bicycle holders in all our new electric trains. This solution is certified, fully safe, and compliant, so I am very pleased for cyclists who will already be able to enjoy these improvements this season," said Kaspars Briškens, Minister of Transport.
Each electric train will have a total of 12 bicycle racks, with six in each end carriage. Passengers will have the option to place two bicycles vertically using special hooks and four bicycles side by side horizontally, securing them with special fasteners, or alternatively, to place four bicycles vertically using the installed hooks. Additionally, bicycles can be placed in the area designated for passengers in wheelchairs and parents with strollers, provided that these priority passenger groups are not occupying the space.
"Fulfilling our promise to passengers, we have begun equipping the new electric trains with bicycle racks, which will make bicycle storage and securing in trains much more convenient, thereby improving mobility for passengers who travel daily by bike. We have managed to attract European fund financing to the maximum extent possible for this project, so I would like to thank my colleagues from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, as well as non-governmental organizations for their support and involvement," stated the Chairman of the Board of AS "Pasažieru vilciens," Raitis Nešpors.
The installation of bicycle mounting fixtures includes not only the installation of racks but also the removal of existing seats, replacing them with foldable seats, replacing partition walls in the train’s entrance area to allow passengers with bicycles to easily push them to the designated holders, as well as placing informative pictograms on the train floor.
Currently, two electric trains have been equipped with bicycle holders, while the remaining 30 electric trains will be gradually fitted by the end of May this year.
The purchase of bicycle transport fixtures was carried out in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations No. 579 of August 30, 2024, titled "Implementation Regulations for the Measure "Acquisition of Zero-Emission Trains – Electric Trains' under Specific Support Objective 2.4.1.2. "Promoting Sustainable Multimodal Mobility by Encouraging the Use of Electric Vehicles"" within the European Union Cohesion Policy Program 2021–2027. Co-financing in the amount of €806,303 has been secured for this project. The total cost associated with the acquisition and installation of bicycle holders amounts to €948,592.
