Approximately six years after the project was launched, the Rīga Ferris wheel (‘Riga Rise’) was unveiled in Pārdaugava, Uzvaras Park, on Thursday, 17 April.
At its highest point, the Ferris wheel reaches a height of 65 metres and offers a beautiful panorama over Riga. The maximum capacity per cabin is 8 people or 600 kilograms. The service can be used in all seasons, as the cab includes both heating and air conditioning.
Latvijas Radio observed that a small queue had already formed after the ticket office opened at around 1 p.m. One ride lasts 15 minutes and costs €17 per adult, €15 for students and pensioners, and €13 for children.
The ticket price has left many puzzled, with some saying it is too high compared to similar projects in other European countries.
“In our view, this is absolutely the right price, which corresponds to the current market situation. If someone tries to compare the price with other carriages, then it may be good, but it should be done correctly. You have to compare comparable things”, Dmitrijs Uspenskis, a member of the board of the project developer, commented, explaining that the project was developed during the pandemic and the war started by Russia, which led to inflation.
“This wheel is not simple, it is very advanced, very modern, with different systems that may not be immediately obvious, but there is a lot of electronics, there are several systems in each cabin at the top to make the wheel safer,” Uspenskis explained.
He admitted that the price could change in the future, but it will not happen this season, and promised that the price will not increase either. Discounts are also available, for example, for group tickets and for senior citizens.
The project managers also said that the wheel is expected to be illuminated during the dark hours of the day.
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