Riga-Tartu train to improve access to domestic rail passenger service - Transport Ministry

RIGA - The Riga-Tartu train will improve access to domestic rail passenger service in Latvia, as the train will stop also at stations in Valmiera, Cesis, Sigulda and Zemitani, Riga, LETA was told at the Transport Ministry. 

This week, Latvian Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens (Progressives) and Estonian Climate Minister Kristen Michal signed a cooperation memorandum to introduce rail passenger service on the Riga-Tartu line by October 1, 2024, including by providing the financing necessary for the launch of the new route.

According to the Transport Ministry, to launch the new passenger service, Estonian carrier Elron has to undergo the certification of its rolling stock for use in Latvian territory and receive the single safety certificate from the European Railway Agency, confirming the carrier's ability to safely provide its services in the intended area of operations.

Latvian rail passenger carrier Pasazieru Vilciens said earlier that Elron might extend its Tallinn-Tartu-Valga route to Riga once each day. The train would depart from Valga to Riga in the evening and from Riga to Valga in the morning. 

LETA already reported that last year ministers of the three Baltic states reached an agreement on passenger train services between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn until the completion of the European standard gauge railway line Rail Baltica.