17 more electric buses will be released on the streets of Riga for 17 million euros

It is not yet known which manufacturer the new electric buses will be from. But the location of fast charging stations is already relatively clear.

Two chargers should appear at the final station “Ul. Abrenes”, one each – in Vecmilgravis, Jugla, Imanta, in the 6th bus depot, as well as at the new terminal station “Kengarags”, where they are going to extend both the 7th tram and the 15th trolleybus.

The total cost is estimated at 16.7 million euros, of which 14.3 million are European funds, and 2.4 million (15%) are funds from the city and/or the carrier. That is, one bus including charging will cost about a million euros.

In addition, Rigas satiksme has begun market research on the purchase of new low-floor buses. Based on the results of the study, the issue of the number of buses to be ordered will be decided and technical documentation will be prepared.

In general, the carrier plans to purchase both 18-meter diesel buses and 18-meter electric buses. At the same time, 30% of buses should run on renewable energy.

Based on this, suppliers were asked to indicate possible prices for various order volumes of vehicles: 57, 114 and 171 buses.

In total, about 400 buses are involved in urban transportation, almost 250 of which have already served the service life established by the rules of the Cabinet of Ministers and manufacturers.

Despite all this, the turnover of Rigas satiksme last year amounted to 187 million euros, which is 9.2% more than a year earlier. And conditionally statistical profit increased by 19% – to 1.488 million euros. Taxes for passenger transportation also increased by 10% to 35 million euros.

Do not forget that transport is a priori unprofitable, so last year city subsidies to the carrier amounted to 125 million euros, and state subsidies – 10 million euros.