Restoration of cross-border public transport connections (ROCC)
| Title | Restoration of cross-border public transport connections |
| Abbreviation | ROCC |
| Project number | EE-LV00074 |
| Programme | Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme 2021-2027 (Est-Lat) |
Project partners
- NGO Pärnu County Public Transport Center (Estonia) (leading partner)
- NGO Viljandimaaty Public Transport Center (Estonia)
- NGO Valgamaa Public Transport Center (Estonia)
- NGO South East Public Transport Center (Estonia)
- Vidzeme Planning Region (Latvia)
Project objectives
Project objective is to reduce negative impact of marginalization of the border areas and to improve the accessibility and usage of public transport. A joint strategy and action plan will be developed for sustainable Estonian-Latvian cross-border public bus transport and two effective organizational models at both the local government and national levels. Practical experiences from experimental bus lines and passenger feedback help to prepare bus schedules that meet demand.Activities
The project will be implemented in five phases: In the first two phases, the partners will prepare a strategy and action plan for the restoration and future operation of cross-border bus routes, coordinated by authorities from both countries. In the third phase, proposals for the initial schedules of the experimental bus routes will be prepared, including Võru - Alūksne, Valga - Valka, Viljandi - Valmiera, Kilingi-Nõmme - Valmiera, and Ikla - Salacgrīva (Limbaži), and requests for approval will be submitted to the authorities. In the fourth phase, data on the use of the experimental bus routes will be collected and analyzed over a 12-month period, and based on this analysis, the optimal bus schedules will be prepared. In the final phase of the project, the final cooperation models will be developed for the future organization of joint cross-border bus routes, including funding, ticket sales, and other aspects.Results
As a result of the project, two cooperation models will be created - for public cross-border bus lines, ordered by states and ordered by local governments. The results of the project are necessary to satisfy the cross-border movement needs of both Estonia and Latvia. The results are especially necessary to reduce the effects of marginalization of border areas of both countries. By summer 2024, it is planned to open Valga-Valka, Viljandi-Valmiera, Võru-Aluksne, Kilingi-Nõmme - Valmiera and Pärnu - Ikla - Salacgriva bus lines on a trial basis. Based on the practical experience gained and passenger feedback, timetables that meet the demand will be developed for further use.Budget
- Total budget: 235 000 EUR
- ERDF support: 188 000 EUR
- Partners contribution: 47 000 EUR
Implementation period
15.11.2023 – 14.11.2026
Contacts
Lelde Ābele, Project Manager at Vidzeme Planning Region
Tel. +371 29266757
Email: lelde.abele@vidzeme.lv
