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

1. NGO Pärnu County Public Transport Center (Estonia) (leading partner)
2. NGO Viljandimaaty Public Transport Center (Estonia)
3. NGO Valgamaa Public Transport Center (Estonia)
4. NGO South East Public Transport Center (Estonia)
5. Vidzeme Planning Region (Latvia)

Project objectives

The aim of the project is to reduce the negative impact of marginalization in border areas and improve the accessibility and usability of public transport. A joint strategy and action plan for sustainable cross-border bus transport between Estonia and Latvia will be developed, along with two efficient organizational models at both the municipal and national levels. Practical experience gained from experimental bus routes and passenger feedback will help prepare bus schedules that meet demand. The main target group – residents of Southern Estonia and Northern Latvia, local and foreign travelers

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

ERDF funding – EUR 300,000 Partners' co-financing – EUR 75,000:

Implementation period

15.11.2023. – 14.11.2025.

Contacts

Lelde Ābele, Project Manager at Vidzeme Planning Region Tel. +371 29266757 Email: lelde.abele@vidzeme.lv

More about the project

https://estlat.eu/en/ROCC