Mobility points are railway station redevelopment projects aimed at ensuring efficient use of and access to different modes of transport. They are particularly designed to provide easy access to the railway station for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and electric scooter users.
"The aim of the project is still largely the same (...) - to encourage people to change their commuting habits and, consequently, to use them when traveling by public transport in different formats by creating a comfortable, high-quality and cool infrastructure," said Mārtiņš Slimbahs, Head of Riga Public Infrastructure Development Department, about the importance of the mobility point project. The total project cost is said to be "just under €30 million", to be implemented by the end of November next year. Slimbahs stressed that European funding is currently being used.
What will be in these mobility points? In the case of the Zemitāni station, it is what the authors called a "Kiss&Ride" type of parking area. That is, a place where drivers can drop off passengers but not leave the car. However, for Sarkandaugava station, disabled parking spaces were mentioned. The Dauderi station redevelopment project includes both disabled parking spaces and pedestrian improvements.
Each station project has its peculiarities, they will not be the same throughout the city. As part of this project, new public transport stops will be created near Šķirotava station. The project will include amenities, drinking water taps and simple street resurfacing.
All the stations will have video surveillance for all the bike racks and new lighting.
The authors of the project said that they are currently seeking ideas and advice from residents during the discussion phase, after which the construction process will begin. The project should be completed next November. After the reconstruction of Bolderaja, Dauderi, Sarkandaugava, Šķirotava, Zemitānai and Ziemeļblāzma stations, work will start on equipping other stations in Rīga with mobility points.
