United List's Riga mayoral candidate calls proposal to introduce entry fee into capital as populism

RIGA - The United List candidate for mayor of Riga, former mayor of Adazi Maris Sprindzuks believes that the proposal to introduce an entry fee into Riga is populism.

"Riga is already unattractive, if they add a fee for entering the city center on top of the parking fees in zones A and B, nobody will come here at all," Sprindzuks told LETA in an interview.

The politician believes that the city will lose even more people by charging entry fees. "Moreover, cars are not the main cause of air pollution. There should be common transport connections and a common ticket, people should be positively motivated," the politician said.

Sprindzuks believes that Riga is not making efficient use of the potential of rail as part of the metropolitan transport system. He called for the development of water transport to be considered as well, for example linking Bolderaja with Mangalsala.

Sprindzuks pointed out that there are different solutions and that buses should not be the only option. At the same time, he stressed the need to review the organization of regional transport, questioning whether all intercity buses should terminate at the Central Market.

The politician noted that the train system has so far been freight-oriented rather than passenger-oriented, but the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia could force the railways to focus on passenger needs. Sprindzuks stressed that trains should be coordinated with buses to form a coherent transport network.

The municipal elections in Latvia will be held in early June.