Tartu's goal is to open a railway connection with Riga by 2024, potentially with state support. This would require annual subsidies of 500,000-700,000 euros.
“Latvian passenger rail operator Pasažieru vilciens has agreed to extend the Riga-Valga line to Tartu. ... The extension would cost 500,000-700,000 euros per year, so state budget funding should be considered,” states a report on the future relations between Estonia and Latvia.
Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas (Urmas Klaas) said in an interview with ERR on Monday that he has worked extensively on establishing the rail link, emphasising that a connection to Riga as a window to the rest of the world would also be important for Tartu in the context of being a European Capital of Culture in 2024. “However, this would require state subsidies, at least initially, and an agreement between the Estonian and Latvian governments,” said U. Klaas.
Estonian Railways (Eesti Raudtee) Chief Financial Officer Arthur Raichmann (Arthur Raichmann) told ERR that once an agreement on the financial side is reached, technical preparations should not take much time.
“As soon as commercial issues are determined, operators have signed contracts, and the financial side is discussed, the operator can submit a passage application to Estonian Railways, information that they wish to use the rail section at specific times, etc. We will then approve this request, and operations can begin. That is all, and we are ready to implement it,” said A. Raichmann. He added that Estonian Railways is awaiting input from the client – whether that will be the Tartu city government or someone else responsible for the payment.
“Estonian Railways acts as an assistant in this matter. We will coordinate the timetable with our Latvian colleagues and ensure that the track capacity is sufficient and meets the needs of passengers and organisers.”
“From what I have understood so far, the conclusion of contracts is being handled by the city of Tartu,” added A. Raichmann.
He said that the main investment is finding a train to operate the connection. “There are no other major investments. The stations exist, traffic control is working, I see no other obstacles.”
Urmas Klaas said that the Latvian operator should find a suitable train. “I have looked at the train intended to serve the connection,” he added. The train was built in Riga 20 years ago and was thoroughly refurbished ten years ago. (...)