From next week, arrivals from 10 European countries will not have to observe self-isolation upon arrival in Latvia, including Hungary and Bulgaria, according to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC)
Transport
The rusty railings of the Vanšu Bridge in Rīga have been cordoned off for two years. However, the Rīga City Council is only planning to announce procurement for this and other bridge construction projects, meaning that real work could begin only in two years, Latvian Radio reported June 11.
Due to a high number of accidents involving electric scooters, the State Police will step up monitoring of scooter traffic as of Wednesday, June 9, Latvian Radio reported.
The biggest obstacle to the tourism sector in Latvia is currently a ban on entry for 'non-essential' reasons, and no influx of tourists can be expected until it is lifted, Santa Graikste, executive director of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants, told Latvian Radio June 8.
This summer, travelers will have to take into account various safety checks, both on entry and departure from Latvia, Latvian Radio reported June 7.
Arrivals from Poland do not have to observe self-isolation, according to the latest information published by the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC) June 4.
The Ministry of Transport (SM) said June 4 that to encourage residents to choose the train more frequently for their daily trips, the Rīga and vicinity railway stations will be turned into "mobility points" with the financing of the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data published June 2 show that in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the 1st quarter of 2020, passenger traffic by all modes of transport has reduced by at least a half.
The number of flights at the Rīga International Airport are starting to pick up but are still only at 10% of the pre-crisis level, Latvian Radio reported May 30.
The Rail Baltica joint venture RB Rail AS has announced the continuation of its 'Rail Baltica Academy', a knowledge-sharing platform that provides a series of public lectures for students as well as for the general public across the Baltic countries.
Rīga mayor Mārtiņš Staķis (For!/Progressives) announced May 26 that he was suspending the director of the city council's transport department, Vitālijs Reinbahs, over allegations of possible fictitious employment contracts and misuse of municipal funds.
In response to the actions of the Belarusian authorities in intercepting a civilian passenger aircraft, on the evening of May 25, the Latvian government introduced restrictions on carriers registered in Belarus entering Latvian airspace and using Latvian airports.
From January to April 2021, 162,908 passengers were serviced at Riga International Airport. Compared to the same period last year, passenger numbers have fallen by 87%, according to data on airport performance published May 24.
During the global pandemic and the resulting decrease in the number of passengers and flights, Riga International Airport ended the year 2020 with a loss of 15.85 million euros, according to the annual report published May 21.
Since March this year, people entering Latvia from third countries have had to carry out mandatory Covid-19 tests on arrival. At the airport, this test is carried out in the corridor of the arrival terminal, before crossing the border. When several flights arrive in a short time, there are queues and crowds, Latvian Television reported May 18.
During the pandemic, cargo ferry traffic between the ports of Liepāja in Latvia and Travemunde in Germany is experiencing stability and even growth. The company "Stena Line" has announced that soon larger and faster ferries will run from Liepāja.
“Latvian State Roads” (LVC) specialists have identified road sections in which average speed control systems will be installed, LVC said May 18.
Along with other European countries, Latvia has set ambitious climate targets, including sharp reductions in vehicle CO2 and other emissions. But, according to the Latvian auto association, it is not clear how to reach these goals on a national level, Latvian Television broadcast De Facto reported May 16.
Arrivals from the UK, Iceland, and Portugal do not have to observe self-isolation, according to the latest information published by the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC) May 14.
A total of 5,617 new cars were sold in Latvia during the first four months of this year, 8% more than during the corresponding period of 2020, according to data published May 14 by the Latvian Authorized Automobile Dealers Association.
People who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to disregard self-isolation after their entry to Latvia from European countries, government agreed on Thursday, May 13.
The Estonian ferry operator Tallink Grupp does not plan to restore ferry traffic between Stockholm and Riga this year, but still looks forward to the resumption of movement between Riga and Helsinki, Paavo Nõgene, Chairman of Tallink Board, said in an interview to Latvian Radio May 12.
On Wednesday 12 May, the first preparations will be launched for the construction of the 1st round of the East Highway from Ieriķu Street to Vietalva Street in Rīga, according to the city council transport department.
A van has been found stuck on the pedestrians' passage on the railway between the stations of Zasulauks and Torņakalns, Passenger Rail (PV) said on Twitter May 12.
Electrify Ventspils Ltd has built the first electric vans for passenger transport purposes, and their rebuilding work is fully carried out in Latvia, finance institution Altum spokeswoman Sandra Eglīte said May 11.
On May 11, the government approved amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations (CSN) introducing rules for electric scooters, according to a release by Transport Ministry.
Due to a celebratory event popular among the Russian minority in Latvia, "Victory Day" on May 9, traffic changes will be in place around the Soviet memorial in Uzvaras Park in Āgenskalns, Rīga City Council said May 7.
This week sees changes to speed limits on certain stretches of road in Latvia, with slightly higher speed limits allowed during the summer season compared to during winter conditions.
A unique wooden electric car prototype has been developed in the smart Technology study program at Liepāja University, Latvian Television reported May 3.
Arrivals from the UK and Iceland do not have to observe self-isolation, according to the latest information published by the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC) April 30.