The city of Riga is marked by two features - the distinct natural division created by the river Daugava, which has resulted in the two banks not developing at the same rate, and a lack of crossing points over the river. Faced with an increase in road traffic, the local authority has begun a programme to renovate the tramways and reorganise the entire transport system.

SYSTRA was appointed to draw up a three-phase feasibility study. The first phase was an analysis of public transport in Riga, which led to the following conclusions :

• there was no prioritisation between the networks, causing a general lack of efficiency ;
• there was no integrated pricing system and networks were organised too much on a radial basis ; and
• there were no real transport hubs.

The second phase defined the size of the system along with the technical and functional characteristics of those lines deemed to be a priority : line 6, which is to be renovated and a new line linking Purvciems/Plavnieki to the city centre. SYSTRA also prepared estimates of cost and passenger traffic.

The third phase involved the financial and institutional arrangements. The scenario of constructing a new line then became quite distinct from that of modernising the existing line. This plan suggested more appropriate solutions, with public/private partnerships being an option. This scenario would enable innovative rolling stock to be tested in the city centre and would improve interconnection on the network.

Key Dates :

• 2003-2004 : feasibility study
• 2008-2009 : European call for tenders for the new rolling stock
• 2009-2010 : modernization of a part of the existing tram network

Key Figures :

• Line 6 upgrade :
  • length : 9.9 km
  • number of stations : 20

• New line :
  • length : 7.9 km ;
  • number of stations : 14

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