ATD representatives explained to the LETA agency that currently an assessment of unprofitable flights up to 10% has been compiled, however, a specific decision on the closure of the relevant flights will still have to be assessed.
At the meeting, ATD informed that a total of 888 flights were evaluated according to several criteria, including the average number of passengers, coverage of state grants over expenses, the possibility to determine flight performance on request and other criteria.
Among them, ATD advised the Public Transport Council to close 43 flights – 21 flights – in the Latgale planning region, 16 flights – in the Vidzeme planning region, three - in the Zemgale planning region, two flights – in the Kurzeme planning region, one flight in the Riga planning region. On the other hand, for 39 flights, ATD recommended reducing the execution days.
At the same time, 611 trips are planned to be kept without changes, 45 trips are planned to be kept until additional information is obtained, in 23 trips – it is recommended to use M1 vehicles, and in 15 trips – transport on demand and other options can potentially be introduced.
On the other hand, the president of the Latvian Passenger Carriers Association, Ivo Ošineks, pointed out that regional bus routes and routes should be reviewed, however, he called on the council not to look at this issue so narrowly, but to focus on how to transfer residents from private transport to public transport. “If flights are closed now, and then we want to restore these flights, it will be even more expensive. We have to look in a wider context, not how to transfer people from buses to trains,” he added.
Novikova added that it is rather a matter of connection, how to create a network of routes, both by interconnecting bus routes and multimodally connecting several modes of transport, in order to have an efficient route network. “It will be a challenge, of course,” added Novikova.
ATD representatives also informed at the meeting that it is possible to close 24 railway station waiting rooms and five ticket offices. AS “Pasažieru vilciens” (PV) has submitted a proposal to close seven ticket sales offices. However, ATD mentioned that the ticket offices at “Rēzekne 2″ station and Krustpils station are currently the main sales channel for express trains with numbered seats, for which it is currently not possible to buy tickets electronically.
LETA previously explained to the ATD agency that in accordance with the legislation, the consolidated network of public transport routes of regional importance is prepared once a year on January 1 of the current year.
Currently, ATD’s delegation from the Public Transport Council meeting is to continue working on a more detailed study of various possible changes. Potentially, these changes would include a review of tariffs, changes in the route network, for example, evaluation of unprofitable flights with profitability indicators of up to 10%, further development of the network of commercial routes, as well as opportunities not to finance infrastructure positions that are less or not used at all by passengers, such as train station ticket offices and other positions.
ATD is the implementer of a unified state policy in the field of international transport, business licensing of road transport commercial transport, as well as public transport planning.
What are the main criteria used by the ATD to evaluate unprofitable flights?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Transport Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anna Novikova, a renowned transport expert and member of the Public Transport Council. Dr. Novikova, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Novikova: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, there have been discussions surrounding the assessment of unprofitable flights and potential closures by the ATD. Can you explain the criteria used for evaluating these flights?
Dr. Novikova: Absolutely. The ATD evaluated a total of 888 flights based on various criteria. This included the average number of passengers transported, the coverage of state grants over operational expenses, and the possibility to assess flight performance upon request. The goal was to ensure that we only retain routes that provide genuine value to the community.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive evaluation process. From the information we’ve seen, ATD has advised the closure of 43 flights and recommended reducing execution days on 39 others. What impact do you think this will have on passengers in those regions?
Dr. Novikova: Well, the proposed closures will certainly be concerning for passengers relying on these routes, particularly in the Latgale and Vidzeme planning regions where most of the flights are being targeted. However, it’s crucial to assess whether these routes can be optimized rather than just eliminated. As Ivo Ošineks from the Latvian Passenger Carriers Association rightly pointed out, we should avoid a narrow focus on just cutting services; instead, we should explore how to transition people from private to public transport effectively.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Can you elaborate on the implications of losing these flights and what the council should consider moving forward?
Dr. Novikova: Yes, closing flights could deter individuals from using public transport altogether. If we shut down these routes without a solid plan to improve connectivity and availability of alternatives, reinstating them later on will be costly and challenging. We need to think about creating a well-connected network—not only linking bus routes but also exploring multimodal connections. This strategy could encourage people to opt for public transport, enhancing overall service sustainability.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of creating a network of routes. How do you envision this network operating effectively?
Dr. Novikova: The key lies in integration and coordination. By interlinking various transport modes—buses, trains, and even bike-share programs—we can provide seamless travel options for residents. The challenge will be ensuring that the schedules align, making transfers easy and reducing wait times. This way, public transport becomes a viable choice compared to private vehicles.
Editor: It does sound like a complex undertaking. There are also discussions about closing ticket offices and waiting rooms at some railway stations. How do you see this impacting the ease of access to train services?
Dr. Novikova: The closures could complicate access for certain demographics, particularly the elderly or those who may not be tech-savvy and rely on physical locations for information and ticket purchasing. It’s crucial that as we streamline services, we also enhance the digital platforms to ensure that all demographics can navigate the system easily. This could also involve providing training or support at remaining locations.
Editor: It seems there’s a lot of work to be done to improve the public transport landscape. What would you advise policymakers to focus on during this transitional phase?
Dr. Novikova: I would encourage policymakers to adopt a holistic perspective, looking beyond immediate cost-saving measures. Focus should be directed towards investment in infrastructure and enhancements in service delivery that create a user-friendly experience. Engaging with communities to understand their needs and desires is vital for developing a transport system that genuinely serves the public’s interests.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Novikova, for your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate these changes in our transport industry.
Dr. Novikova: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important matters. Let’s hope for a more connected and efficient future in transport.