Rural Mobility: Challenges, Solutions and What’s Ahead 

On May 8 Green Liberty hosted an informative discussion-based event in Rēzekne to address mobility challenges and explore potential solutions in Latvia’s rural regions. The event featured a presentation of research by RTU scientists Antra Viļuma and Sandra Treija on the availability of public transport in Rēzekne municipality and its resulting recommendations. Participants also heard insights from Beata Berķe, a representative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), who explained the upcoming extension of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2) to cover buildings and transport, as well as the role of the Social Climate Fund. 

Linda Leja from the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) presented insights of the draft of Latvia’s forthcoming Social Climate Plan and its significance for municipalities. Zane Siliņa, Senior Officer at the Ministry of Transport’s Department for Public Transport Services, introduced policy developments concerning demand-responsive transport. Tomass Beikulis from the Road Transport Administration discussed the current accessibility of public transport in the region, while Klāvs Grieze from Latvian State Roads outlined upcoming plans for improving Latvia’s road network. 

The second part of the event featured valuable ideas and experience sharing from Aiva Apša-Ķīšeniece (Latvian Rural Forum), Laila Gercāne (Vidzeme Planning Region), Anna Vērdiņa (Kurzeme Planning Region), and Salvis Skabs (Latvian State Roads), along with a representative from the Latgale Planning Region. 

Opening the event, Rēzekne Municipality Executive Director Ērika Teirumnieka highlighted the need to act and adapt in response to global developments while ensuring environmental protection. She stressed the importance of municipalities seeking greener solutions. Understanding the current situation, opportunities, and obstacles is essential before selecting the most suitable and effective measures. Therefore, researchers Antra Viļuma and Sandra Treija were invited to present the results and recommendations of their study on mobility access in Rēzekne municipality. 

The study evaluated residents’ experiences and needs when using public transport and publicly accessible infrastructure. While the public transport network ensures general accessibility, the bicycle infrastructure is insufficiently equipped, lacking adequate cycling paths and secure parking. The researchers emphasized that proper bicycle infrastructure includes not only bike lanes but also secure, weather-protected long-term storage facilities to encourage cycling. 

One key recommendation was the introduction of a mobile application that allows users to track real-time transport schedules and receive notifications about delays or changes. To improve mobility in sparsely populated areas, state subsidies for implementing demand-responsive transport services were deemed necessary. 

Upcoming Policy Changes: ETS2 and the Social Climate Fund 

From 2027, the expanded EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2) will apply to CO₂ emissions from heating buildings and using fossil-fueled vehicles. This will increase costs for households still reliant on fossil fuels such as natural gas. ETS2 aims to stimulate demand for energy efficiency and zero-emission alternatives. 

To offset this burden, the EU has established the Social Climate Fund, which will support investments in energy efficiency and zero-emission measures. These funds will directly benefit vulnerable households and small businesses most affected by rising costs. In Latvia, about 24.3% of the population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2023, with the share exceeding 50% in some municipalities. 

The Ministry of Climate and Energy is currently coordinating the Social Climate Plan with other ministries and will soon publish the plan for public consultation. Although the full list of planned actions will be revealed during the consultation phase, Linda Leja shared insights into expected directions. These include improving public transport availability and reducing housing costs for supported households through energy efficiency renovations. 

The plan will likely feature support for: 

• Demand-responsive transport, 

• Zero-emission vehicle purchases, 

• Micromobility enhancements, 

• Public transport infrastructure upgrades and electrification, 

• Vehicle acquisition for social and healthcare service providers. 

An information center is also planned to provide guidance and practical help on energy efficiency improvements and transport accessibility. 

Policy Progress and Regional Pilots 

The Ministry of Transport has already submitted a legislative amendment proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers to establish a legal framework for demand-responsive transport. This model would allow residents to request transport services in advance via an app or call center, and special rides would be organized based on demand. 

Laila Gercāne from the Vidzeme Planning Region shared insights from pilot projects in Mazsalaca and Alūksne municipalities, where demand-responsive transport was tested over ten months. With flexible routes and schedules tailored to users’ needs, this service complemented existing public transport and was well-received by residents. Alūksne recorded an average of 25 rides per month, while Mazsalaca reported as many as 98. Residents appreciated the personalized service and improved access to essential services, even in remote areas. This approach also helped reduce social isolation and increased the overall sense of security and mobility satisfaction. 

Conclusion: Understanding Local Needs for Better Mobility 

Developing mobility solutions that are truly helpful and improve residents’ quality of life requires a deep understanding of their real needs. This is not only about infrastructure but also about social inclusion and regional development. 

Green Liberty expresses sincere thanks to all event participants whose contributions made the discussion meaningful, and to our partners – Rēzekne Municipality, the Latgale Planning Region, moderator Regita Zeiļa, the researchers, and all project collaborators. 

Access the RTU research (in Latvian): Public Transport Accessibility in Rēzekne Municipality.

Follow the implementation of the Social Climate Plan across Central and Eastern Europe at www.climatefairmonitor.eu