Bus routes between Latvia and Estonia may be left without funding
In the border areas of Latvia and Estonia, the continued operation of two international bus routes next year remains uncertain. Funding for the EU pilot project under which these routes operate is due to end at the end of the year.
This concerns the connection between the twin towns of Valka and Valga, as well as the Ikla — Ainazi — Salacgriva route, which also provides a connection to Parnu. As LSM English reports, more than 10,000 passengers have used the Valka–Valga route since its launch last summer, while 14,000 have used the route on the Ainazi side.
Costs after funding ends
The routes are currently financed with European Union funds. According to project participants’ estimates, maintaining one such route costs about €50,000 per year. Going forward, Latvia and Estonia are expected to jointly cover the costs.
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Margus Maiste, a board member of the Parnu County Public Transport Centre, said that the Estonian government would allocate funds only if there is support from the Latvian government. At the same time, the Vidzeme Planning Region, the project’s partner on the Latvian side, continues to seek funding options.
Position of local authorities
Project manager Lelde Abele noted that Latvia’s Ministry of Transport considers the initiative relevant and supports it in principle. The Limbazi municipal council is ready to partially fund the initiative in the future, but deputy council chair Girts Vilcins stressed that everything depends on state support.
The Valka district council cannot allocate funds due to its difficult financial situation. Ginta Krievkalna, deputy chair of the local council, said that the route is needed by both towns, although its schedule cannot be convenient for all passengers. According to a survey of border-area residents, people on the Latvian side more often consider this connection important. Most respondents said they use the transport only a few times a month or less often. For some border-area residents, this transport is the only way to reach shops or a doctor.
