Tourist information in official EU languages along with Latvian to be allowed on public transport

RIGA - Along with Latvian, tourist information on public transport will be allowed also in other official European Union (EU) languages in accordance with amendments to the rules regulating the use of language in information texts, which the government adopted on Tuesday.

The Justice Ministry, which drafted the amendments, explained that the amended regulation will allow to provide transport information for tourists in a language they understand, thus also supporting the tourism industry in general by creating a more attractive environment for tourists.

At the beginning of the year, Rigas Satiksme municipal transport company was engaged in a dispute with the State Language Center, which insisted on using only Latvian also at Riga International Coach Terminal and Riga Airport.

Justice Minister Inese Libina-Egnere (New Unity) indicated that the membership of the EU means freedom to study, work, travel and billions of euros for national growth and security against external adversaries. Therefore, to emphasize and strengthen Latvia's belonging to the European cultural area, the amendments provide that information for tourists will also be made available in one of the EU's official languages, instead of Russian or any other foreign language, as has been the case so far.

For example, information in other EU official languages in addition to Latvian will be allowed on public transport carrying tourists to and from Riga International Airport, Riga Central Railway Station, Riga Passenger Port and Riga International Coach Terminal.

This will also apply to public transport operating international routes and crossing the Latvian border. The Justice Ministry notes that the rules do not prevent providing information on public transport services in one of the official EU languages also at customer service centers, on websites and ticket machines.