Riga plans to launch a boat route between Vecmilgravis and Bolderāja
Next spring, Riga may launch a passenger ferry service between the districts of Vecmilgravis and Bolderāja, located on opposite banks of the Daugava River. LSM English reports this, citing Latvian Radio.
The idea of a regular route between Vecmilgravis on the right bank of the river and Bolderāja has been under discussion for many years. Currently, a bus trip between these neighborhoods can take up to an hour and a half without traffic, as the nearest land crossing over the Daugava is the Cable Bridge in central Riga.
Maris Klauzs, a board member and captain of SIA “Jaunā Vecrīga,” who represents one of the potential operators, stated that the boat trip would take six minutes. According to him, he is awaiting a decision from the Riga City Council regarding the project and is currently unable to estimate future demand for the route.
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Preliminary plans call for four trips per day to Bolderāja and another four toward Vecmilgrāvis. A one-way ticket is expected to cost 1.5 euros—the same as a fare on “Rīgas satiksme” public transportation.
Signe Perkone, a representative of the Department of Urban Development, reported that a survey of operators was conducted as part of the market research. The pilot project is scheduled to last five months: during the warmer months, passenger numbers will be tracked on the Bolderāja–Vecmilgravis route. Two operators offered to provide services for 50,000–60,000 euros for the entire five-month period.
Edgars Bergholcs, Chair of the Urban Development Committee, stated that the planned 50,000–60,000 euros does not cover infrastructure improvements; however, he estimates that such costs will not be significant. In the future, Riga is also considering the possibility of water transport between Bolderāja and Sarkandaugava, as well as between Sarkandaugava and Ilgucems.
