Regional Bus Carriers Protest, Cancelling 53 Flights
On an unspecified date, regional bus carriers in latvia protested, resulting in the cancellation of 53 scheduled routes. These cancellations included services such as aldus-Liepaja (10:30), Dārziņi CSDD-Stadions (10:40), Ozoli-Vecbebri-koknese-Aizkraukle (10:40), Liepaja (Siena Market)-Pavilosta (10:40), Priekule-Unit (10:45), adn Aizkraukle Station-Aizkraukle Station-Aizkraukle Bus Station (10:45).
The protest stems from a dispute over compensation for increased costs. Carriers are seeking compensation for losses amounting to 10% of their earnings due to long-term contracts signed during a period of exceptional circumstances (July 1, 2022 – August 31, 2025). They argue a 10% increase in contract prices is the minimum needed to mitigate losses and maintain service. Without additional funding,carriers fear insolvency and disruption to passenger transport.
The ATD (a directorate overseeing regional public transport) does not support the carriers’ protest, stating passengers should not suffer consequently. ATD is applying penalties for unfulfilled routes as outlined in contracts and will withhold state compensation for those cancelled services. They are advising passengers to consider choice transportation options, such as trains, where available.
However, ATD notes that not all carriers are participating in the protest. Services provided by AS “CATA” and “Latvijas Public Bus” Ltd. in areas of Pieriga, saldus, Kuldīga, Cēsis, Sigulda, and Limbaži are continuing.
The carriers initially appealed to the government for compensation for increased, unforeseen costs on August 12th at the Cabinet of Ministers. The Public Transport Council, on September 4th, determined the subsidized bus route network is planned for 56.145 million kilometers in the coming year – a reduction of 16% (11.06 million kilometers) from previous forecasts for 2025. this reduction will involve cutting flights and portions of flights deemed unprofitable or wiht low passenger numbers.
Passengers are legally entitled to seek direct compensation from carriers for losses incurred due to delays or cancellations,provided they have purchased a ticket for the affected route.