Fare concessions are still provided in the Ogre region

From April 1 of this year, the new regional public transport (buses and trains) ticket and tariff system came into force, but in the Ogre region, it is still maintained in the binding regulations of the Ogre region municipality and council decisions receiving the advantages and benefits specified for different categories of residents declared in the county.

Eligible for travel fee concessions declared in the administrative territory of Ogre county:

• students who attend general basic and secondary education institutions located in the administrative territory of Ogre region and whose place of residence is further than one kilometer from the educational institution. The municipality allocates fare reduction in public transport in the amount of 100% from the student’s declared place of residence to the educational institution and back for a maximum of fifty trips per month. The travel fee relief is applied during the academic year determined by the Cabinet of Ministers, it is not applied on holidays, public holidays, students’ vacations, as well as when classes are not in progress in educational institutions;
• persons of retirement age until the age of 75 – fare reduction in the amount of 0.20 euros for trips on regional routes of local importance in the territory of Ogre city and Ogresgal parish;
• persons of retirement age after reaching the age of 75 – fare reduction in the amount of 0.40 euros for trips on regional routes of local importance in the territory of Ogres city and Ogresgal parish.

To receive a discount, before purchasing a ticket for the driver an Ogre district student card or an Ogre district resident card must be presented. To avoid misunderstandings, for persons of retirement age along with the Ogre region resident card, it would be desirable to present a pensioner’s certificate as well.

CONTEXT

On December 14, 2023, the Public Transport Board approved a new ticket and tariff system for regional public transport (buses and trains), which came into effect on April 1 of this year.

The most significant changes:

1. In the new tariff system, the principle of the minimum fee is preserved, but in order to adjust this tariff to the public transport of the national cities, the minimum fare is determined: in Riga – 1.50 euros, in other cities of the country, including Ogre – 1.00 euros and outside the cities – 0.70 euros.
2. The changes in the short- and medium-distance bus fares in the new tariff system are relatively small and are aimed at not putting pressure on passengers who frequently use public transport, but as a result of the changes, there are also some cases where the increase will be higher.
3. In order to strengthen the train as the backbone of public transport, it is planned to introduce a new type of ticket, Vilciens+, on the already existing train and bus connections in Aizkraukle, Tukum, Krāslava and Dagda, with which you can travel by bus for short trips to or from the train stop at no extra charge or for a minimal fee.
4. From April 1, trains have one-time, three-day, five-day and 30-day tickets, and regional buses have one-time tickets and existing monthly tickets.
5. Until the moment when all types of tickets are equalized in train and bus transportation, with the introduction of 10 and 20 trip tickets in both types of transportation, the current ticket types for 10 – 19 trips, 20 – 34 trips and 35 and more trips are maintained in bus transportation.
6. 30-day ticket for regular passengers. If the existing monthly train ticket paid off for the passenger after 33 trips and on the bus after 41 trips, according to the new tariff system, the passenger on trains and buses will benefit from the 21st trip. Therefore, passengers who use public transport often will pay less. From April 1, this principle will be introduced in trains and buses where passengers are already offered monthly tickets.

On the other hand, from April 1, all tickets will be sold exclusively according to the new tariff. Tickets purchased electronically in mobile applications and on the Internet are cheaper for passengers. The aim is to change the habits of passengers and encourage them not to buy tickets from the driver or at the ticket office.

Passengers will be able to get exact information about the new ticket prices at ticket sales points or from carriers!