In recent weeks, the number of public transport drivers who do not come to work due to incapacity for work has rapidly increased in “Rīgas satiksme”, as a result of which it is not possible to fully ensure the adherence to the planned schedules. Currently, in the company, temporary disability leaves have been issued to approximately 22% of the drivers, of which 3% are related to Covid-19 disease. Also, several drivers of “Rīgas satiksme” public transport vehicles have been identified as having had contact with the Covid-19 patients, which deprives them of the opportunity to perform their work duties. “Rīgas satiksme” has applied to the Health Inspectorate for verification of reasonableness of approximately 30 issued temporary disability leaves. Taking into account the above-mentioned, from November 3, “Rīgas satiksme” plans to make changes to the traffic schedules of trams, trolleybuses and buses, equalizing public transport output in accordance with the passenger flows and the availability of the staff for the trip performance. 

“At the moment, the number of sick employees of “Rīgas satiksme” has reached a critical level, therefore in order to ensure the continuity of the passenger transport service, we are forced to reduce the number of trips. It is better when the number of trips is less frequent but predictable than when the trips are more frequent, but we are unable to secure them. Of course, this will be a complication for Rigans, but we urge passengers to seriously evaluate each trip and, if possible, postpone less important trips,” said vice-mayor Vilnis Ķirsis. 

The secured number of trips after November 3 will continue to be such that the passenger compartment is occupied according to the permitted level and does not exceed 50% of the total occupancy rate of the vehicle. In the event that it nevertheless approaches the permitted level, the planned changes will allow to respond and send an operational reserve. 

From October 22, compared to September this year, the flow of passengers on the working days has decreased by 63%, whereas on the days-off, the number of passengers in public transport has decreased by 68%. These data do not include the restrictions on movement during the strict housesitting period after 20.00. The reduction of the passenger flow has been observed at different times of the day, that is why changes in the routes will be made in such a way that the volume of the secured service is commensurate with the demand and key travel habits when certain categories of passengers have to get to work or home. 

In order to inform passengers about the occupancy of the passenger compartment, which will allow passengers to make a decision whether to get on the bus or wait for the next trip, “Rīgas satiksme” has equipped ~ 50 buses with a light indicator. The red signal will light up when the occupancy of the passenger compartment is approaching the maximum allowed - 50% and the passenger will be able to decide whether to get on the bus or choose to wait for the next trip. These buses run on the bus routes No. 3 and No. 49, because these routes have comparatively largest number of passengers and passenger compartment occupancy rate of all bus routes. 

“Rīgas satiksme” constantly monitors passenger flows in public transport and this procedure will remain unchanged in the future. Information about occupancy of the passenger compartment is provided by public transport drivers, also customer applications are verified. Furthermore, all newest vehicles of “Rīgas satiksme” are equipped with automatic passenger counting systems, thus, at the moment when the passenger compartment of the vehicle is approaching 50% of its occupancy rate, the dispatchers receive a signal that allows them to react quickly and assign an additional vehicle.

Changes to buses, trolleybuses and trams

From November 3, on working days, and from November 6, on holidays, changes will be made to several traffic schedules.

Furthermore, as long as the passenger flow remains low, the following routes will be closed:

• bus routes No. 4z, 35, trolleybus route No. 1 and tram routes No. 3 and 9.

• bus route No. 57, trolleybus routes No. 11, 12 and 13 on days-off.

Passengers who have purchased one-month tickets for the closed routes, are allowed to use them on the parallel routes of “Rīgas satiksme” – in buses, trolleybuses and trams, without registering the trip. 

For communication with “Rīgas satiksme”, please use the information telephone 20361862 or send an email to info@rigassatiksme.lv. You can also contact the company using its website www.rigassatiksme.lv , section “Contact us”, where everyone can submit an application.