https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/16.07.2026-media-speculates-about-airbaltic-short-term-financing.a655317/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:42:35 GMT 655317 Latvian national airline airBaltic plans to seek short-term financing from bondholders, reports LSM's Latvian language service, which in turn cites the LETA newswire, which in turn cites Reuters, which cites a company statement. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/16.07.2026-riga-to-get-a-few-more-cycle-lanes.a655306/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:40:08 GMT 655306 To improve the availability of cycling infrastructure and promote safe cycling in the centre of the Latvian capital, Riga Municipality plans to create new sections of cycle lanes on Lāčplēša, Marijas, Šarlotes and Dzirnavu streets. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/15.07.2026-riga-bridge-repairs-likely-to-cause-traffic-disruption.a655219/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:48:00 GMT 655219 During the extensive renovation of the Vanšu Bridge in central Rīga the carriageway could be  completely closed to private vehicles with only public transport and emergency services able to use it. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/15.07.2026-why-did-daugavpils-sell-its-buses-its-complicated.a655159/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:08:00 GMT 655159 Daugavpils City Municipality-owned company SIA "Daugavpils autobusu parks" (Daugavpils bus park) has been sold for 1.48 million euros to SIA "RTS grupa". The deal has not yet been finalized, but the municipality has emphasized that no significant changes are expected for passengers - buses will continue to run according to the current schedule, as the transportation contract concluded with the state remains in force.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/13.07.2026-latvian-startup-launches-transport-sector-reputation-network.a654856/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:24:18 GMT 654856 CarrierTrust, a Latvia-based startup, has launched an EU-focused reputation network for the European transport and logistics industry, reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/12.07.2026-death-on-railway-line-in-riga.a654777/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 12 Jul 2026 13:07:00 GMT 654777 Train traffic in Riga was affected on Sunday as the result to a tragic accident, the LETA news agency reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.07.2026-central-riga-street-sections-to-be-closed-until-end-of-july.a654468/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:07:57 GMT 654468 To complete the installation of bike lanes and improvements to street intersections on the section of Dzirnavu Street between Tērbatas Street and Skolas Street, starting Thursday, July 9, through July 30, traffic restrictions will be in place on Dzirnavu Street, according to the Riga City Council. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.07.2026-railway-platform-modernization-project-has-big-problems.a654452/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:02:00 GMT 654452 The project to make Latvia's crumbling railway platforms resemble something from the 21st century is experiencing severe delays, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.07.2026-airbaltic-fleet-down-two-planes.a654422/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:52:33 GMT 654422 Latvia's national airline, "airBaltic," has reached a mutual agreement with one of its aircraft lessors regarding the early return of two "Airbus A220-300" aircraft at the end of June this year, Augusts Zilberts, airBaltic’s head of public and political relations, confirmed to the LETA news agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/08.07.2026-fuel-station-takeover-deal-concluded.a654296/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:57:24 GMT 654296 Fuel station operatpr Virši has completed its takeover of 17 fuel stations owned by Naftimpeks into the company’s network, it said in a release on July 8th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/08.07.2026-ten-million-train-passengers-in-latvia-in-first-half-of-2026.a654281/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:05:03 GMT 654281 In the first half of the year, 10.1 million passengers travelled by train, which is 0.3% – or 32,000 – fewer than during the same period in 2025, according to the passenger train operator Vivi. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/07.07.2026-latvian-government-approves-international-road-regulation-plan.a654210/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:29:00 GMT 654210 On Tuesday, July 7, the Latvian government supported the amendments prepared by the Ministry of Transport which are intended to modernize international road transport control and improve the supervision of carriers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/07.07.2026-some-incorrect-materials-found-in-latvias-road-building-this-year.a654188/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:43:54 GMT 654188 During unannounced inspections at road repair sites, the State Joint Stock Company “Latvian State Roads” (LVC) has identified seven non-conformities in mineral material samples and three non-conformities in asphalt samples this construction season, LVC said on July 7. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-latvian-pm-kulbergs-ponders-potential-airbaltic-investors-again.a653977/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:07:00 GMT 653977 Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List), who recently said on social networking sites that he had met with potential strategic investors for airBaltic, tackled the topic again on Monday during a meeting with President Edgars Rinkēvičs, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-fuel-prices-down-67-in-latvia-in-june.a654068/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:26:06 GMT 654068 Central Statistical Bureau data published on July 6 show that in June 2026 the average level of consumer prices for fuels for transport was 6.7 % lower than in May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-many-bus-trips-cancelled-in-riga-vicinity.a654056/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:06:16 GMT 654056 More than 100 regional bus trips have been cancelled in the vicinity of Rīga over the past four days. Apparently, due to a shortage of drivers, the passenger transport company “Latvijas Sabiedriskais autobuss” is unable to operate these routes, Latvian Radio reports on July 6. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-latvian-airbaltic-seats-six-year-old-separately-from-parent.a653950/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:53:59 GMT 653950 Starting next year, airlines will no longer be able to charge extra fees for seat selection on flights, as stipulated by a European directive. Only infants are guaranteed a seat with their parents. Recently, a family encountered a situation where, on an airBaltic flight, their six-year-old child was assigned a seat by themselves, Latvian Television reported on July 5. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/03.07.2026-talks-resume-on-restoring-riga-stockholm-ferry-route.a653693/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:57:59 GMT 653693 As part of President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ state visit to Estonia, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis met in Tallinn with Peep Jalakas, CEO of AS Tallink Grupp, to discuss the resumption of regular ferry service on the Rīga–Stockholm route, according to a release by the Economics Ministry. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/03.07.2026-new-car-market-on-the-decline-in-latvia.a653685/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:23:50 GMT 653685 The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, which brings together virtually all automakers operating in our part of the world, recently published data on the new car market in Europe, showing that Latvia is one of nine countries in Europe where the new car market has declined, LSM's Māris Bergs reports on July 3. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/02.07.2026-rigas-public-buses-will-now-be-charged-fast.a653536/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:33:00 GMT 653536 Charge up in just 15 minutes and get back to serving passengers – starting Wednesday, more than 50 electric buses operated by “Rīgas satiksme” can be charged significantly faster, Latvian Radio reported on July 1. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/01.07.2026-russia-closes-rail-crossings-with-latvia-estonia-finland.a653406/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:37:00 GMT 653406 From July 1st, aggressor state Russia has suspended the movement of people, vehicles, goods and cargo through several rail border crossing points on its borders with Finland, Estonia and Latvia, reports ERR News. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/30.06.2026-smile-taxi-app-registered-in-latvia.a653254/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:04:28 GMT 653254 The Road Transport Directorate (ATD) has registered a new mobile app for providing taxi services, Smile Taxi. The service is planned to be available throughout Latvia, offering an open collaboration platform for local and regional taxi operators, the ATD noted. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/30.06.2026-rail-baltica-dilemma-waste-time-or-waste-money.a653206/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:46:34 GMT 653206 Wasting time or wasting money: that is one of the dilemmas in the construction process of the Rail Baltica high-speed rail line, which is currently on the government’s agenda. The proposed design is too expensive, but redesigning it to save money means losing time, Latvian Radio's Brussels correspondent Artjoms Konohovs reports on June 30. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/29.06.2026-bolt-boasts-profit-for-first-time-in-companys-history.a653086/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:04:42 GMT 653086 The ride-sharing company "Bolt," which also operates in Latvia, has turned a profit for the first time in its history, according to Estonian public media. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/29.06.2026-protesters-ask-for-safer-railway-crossing-at-imanta-riga.a653045/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:03:58 GMT 653045 On Sunday in Rīga, a protest titled “Safe Crossings” took place at the Imanta railroad crossing. The event was organised by the association “City for People,” which criticises the Riga City Council for its inaction and failure to improve traffic safety at the crossing, Latvian Television and Lavian Radio reported.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/28.06.2026-not-enough-money-for-rail-baltica.a652966/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:02:28 GMT 652966 None of the Baltic states has sufficient funding to complete the first phase of the "Rail Baltica" project. All are looking forward to the European Union’s (EU) next multiannual budget, which will be available after 2028, LSMs Brussels reporter Ilze Nagla reported on June 27. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/26.06.2026-big-air-show-at-spilve-airfield-this-weekend.a652842/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:13:46 GMT 652842 This weekend, on June 27 and 28, Rīga will host the largest air show in the Baltics, which will take place at Spilve Airfield and bring together participants from 12 countries. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/26.06.2026-heat-can-also-impact-asphalt-on-latvias-roads.a652751/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:19:00 GMT 652751 In the coming days, as air temperatures exceed +30 degrees Celsius, the asphalt on the roads will also heat up significantly. In sections where the asphalt is old and in poor condition, as well as in areas where potholes have been repaired, heat-induced softening may occur, according to the Latvian State Roads (LVC). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/26.06.2026-police-raids-continue-after-holidays-in-latvia.a652744/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:33:12 GMT 652744 This year, more drunk drivers were caught on Līgo and Jāņi Day than in the previous two years. Law enforcement officials noted that some people mistakenly believe alcohol leaves the body quickly, while others hope there will be fewer police on the roads after the holidays. However, the police are continuing to check drivers, Latvian Television reported June 25. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/25.06.2026-latvian-vivi-to-sue-skoda-vagonka-for-train-delays.a652641/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:54:05 GMT 652641 Latvian passenger train operator Vivi will impose a contractual penalty of 5.7 million euros on the Czech company "Škoda Vagonka" due to delays in the delivery of electric trains and the failure to rectify identified defects within the specified timeframes, confirmed PV Board Chairman Raitis Nešpors. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/25.06.2026-over-80-drunk-drivers-caught-during-midsummer-in-latvia.a652584/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:35:40 GMT 652584 81 drunk drivers were caught on Latvia's roads over the five-day holiday, according to the State Police's statistics on June 25. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/24.06.2026-still-too-many-drunk-drivers-during-midsummer-holiday-in-latvia.a652521/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:14:17 GMT 652521 Despite police warnings about increased road checks, a large number of drunk drivers were arrested in Latvia on Līgo Day or June 23, the State Police told the LETA news agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/22.06.2026-many-latvian-road-signs-still-point-to-russia.a652413/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:08:00 GMT 652413 On 318 road signs in Latvia, the names Moscow, Vitebsk, or other Russian and Belarusian city names are still visible. An initiative submitted to the government to replace them has not yet been approved, Latvian Television reported on June 21. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/22.06.2026-tractor-race-in-rezekne-comes-to-polices-attention.a652411/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:58:12 GMT 652411 For the second year in a row, local business owners in the Rēzekne Municipality have organised the "Tractor Race" event, but this year it has come to the attention of the State Police due to safety violations, LSM's Latgale editorial reported on June 21. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/20.06.2026-police-keep-an-eye-on-roads-during-holidays-in-latvia.a652360/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:29:43 GMT 652360 Law enforcement officers will be conducting increased patrols on the roads until June 28, with a particular focus on checking for drunk driving, LSM's Latgale editorial reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/19.06.2026-extra-public-transport-in-riga-on-midsummer-night.a652166/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:07:00 GMT 652166 On Midsummer Night (June 23-24), additional public transportation will be available in Rīga, and travel will be free over the holidays, Baiba Bartaševiča-Feldmane, head of the Public Relations Department at "Rīgas satiksme," told the LETA news agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/16.06.2026-cheap-orders-from-outside-eu-wont-be-as-cheap-anymore-in-latvia.a651612/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:48:30 GMT 651612 Cheap online purchases from China and other third countries will soon become more expensive. A new import duty will take effect on July 1 and will apply to each category of goods in a shipment, Latvian Television reported on June 16. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/12.06.2026-latvia-and-portugal-get-new-cargo-shipping-connection.a651243/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:48:16 GMT 651243 Shipping company Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched a new weekly route through the Port of Riga – Iberia Baltic Express (IBX). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/12.06.2026-traffic-restrictions-during-riga-pride-march-on-saturday.a651209/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:35:46 GMT 651209 Due to the Riga Pride 2026 parade and following events at the Esplanāde Park on Saturday, June 13, traffic restrictions will be in place in the city centre, the Rīga City Council said. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/11.06.2026-local-road-washed-out-after-maintenance-in-latvia.a651032/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:57:03 GMT 651032 Shortly after ditch-cleaning work carried out by "Latvian State Roads" on the Ugāle–Cirkale–Zlēkas section of the Ventspils municipality road, the road was washed out, and potholes that pose a danger to traffic quickly formed. "Latvian State Roads" promises to repair the damage, but additional reinforcement of the ditches is not planned, TV Kurzeme reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/10.06.2026-flights-diverted-from-riga-to-tallinn-over-drone-suspicions-tuesday.a650931/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:49:00 GMT 650931 Two planes en route to Rīga were diverted to Tallinn Airport on Tuesday evening. Passengers shared this information on the social media platform Facebook, where the discussion has since been deleted. A representative from “Latvian Air Traffic” explained that the flights were diverted due to a drone that was reportedly spotted, but unconfirmed, Latvian Radio reports on June 10. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/10.06.2026-competition-council-bolt-is-not-abusing-its-position-in-taxi-market.a650881/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:51:00 GMT 650881 The Competition Council (KP) concluded in its investigation on June 10 that "Bolt Operations OÜ" (Bolt) holds a dominant position in the market for commercial passenger transportation by car and taxi services. At the same time, the KP acknowledged that there is no proof that Bolt has abused its dominant position. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/10.06.2026-new-mobility-hubs-set-up-in-riga.a650871/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:19:54 GMT 650871 In May, four new "mobility hubs" were put into operation in Rīga – at the "Mangaļi," "Gaisma," and "Vecdaugava" railway stops, and on Slokas Street near the Iļģuciems freight station, according to the Rīga City Council. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.06.2026-estonia-wants-to-fly-cows-from-riga-airport.a650750/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:56:00 GMT 650750 Estonia plans to use Riga Airport as its main transhipment and dispatch point for the export of live cattle to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to information provided by the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) at Tuesday's government meeting, LSM.lv reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.06.2026-err-latvian-rail-baltica-delays-could-cost-estonia.a650723/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:43:46 GMT 650723 Latvia's inability to complete Rail Baltic construction by the set deadline will inevitably end up costing Estonia as well, Estonian Auditor General Janar Holm said, according to a report from Estonian public media ERR News. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.06.2026-railway-crossings-to-be-upgraded-latvian-railways-promises.a650710/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:19:00 GMT 650710 "Latvian Railways" plans to improve safety conditions at and near 45 railroad crossings over the next two years. The company made this announcement on Monday following reports of a man being struck by a train in Imanta, Latvian Television reported on June 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.06.2026-mukusala-promenade-in-riga-to-be-fixed-soon.a650683/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:43:38 GMT 650683 After several months, repair work on the Mūkusalas Promenade in Riga is nearing completion. Although the promenade was opened to the public last December, the contractor had to address deficiencies identified immediately after opening. The work is scheduled to be completed this month, Latvian Television reported on June 9. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/05.06.2026-fuel-prices-down-47-last-month-in-latvia.a650306/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:03:17 GMT 650306 The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), published on 5 June, show that in May 2026, compared to April 2026, the average level of consumer prices of fuels for transport decreased by 4.7 %. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/04.06.2026-you-can-file-road-accident-reports-on-whatsapp-in-latvia.a650113/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT 650113 The fastest and easiest way to report an accident with no injuries and involving only two cars is to file a joint accident report. This can be done very conveniently on the "WhatsApp" platform, as noted by traffic expert Oskars Irbītis and Agris Daukste, head of the Information Technology (IT) department at the Latvian Motor Insurers’ Bureau, on the Latvian Radio programme "How to Live Better." https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/04.06.2026-latvias-trains-could-run-slightly-faster-in-the-future.a650039/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:04:00 GMT 650039 Electric trains between Rīga and Jelgava may be able to travel at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour (km/h) in the future. That is 20 km/h faster than the current speed, according to Latvian Railways, Latvian Radio reported on June 4.