Lux Express plans to reduce the number of minibus trips between Riga city center and the airport by up to 30% in winter before increasing the frequency next season, the company told Latvian Radio on November 27.
Bright red commercial minibuses with the silhouette of an airplane on the side have been running between Riga city center and the airport since mid-June. They stop at only a few places and late into the evening and at night.
Lux Express says that 25,000 passengers have been transported since mid-June by the beginning of November. According to Radio Latvia’s calculations, the average number of passengers per trip so far is around five, which means that the minibusses have about a 1/5 fill. However, Aldis Ķibēns, the company’s spokesman, points out that this is not the correct calculation, as the flights are adjusted to both less popular and popular flights, where the minibuses are full.
“The most important thing is the total number of passengers, which we think is a very positive result. We see that travelers very much appreciate the fact that they can get to the plane quickly, in comfort and, very importantly, at a much lower cost than if they were to use a taxi or even their private car,” said Ķibēns.
The fare is €4, which is several times cheaper than taking a taxi but nearly three times as expensive as using public transportation. The company expects to maintain this fare in the future.
The number of trips will be reduced from December to March, when there are fewer travelers, but next season the minibuses will run more frequently than this year, Ķibēns said.
“At the moment, we also see that the main challenge for our services is that most travelers still prefer to drive to the airport. Therefore, we believe that in the near future we need to take several steps to increase the popularity of public transport to get to the airport,” said Ķibēns.
The capital’s municipality has long provided regular services between the city centre and the airport.
The public transport company Rīgas Satiksme views competition with Lux Express positively, saying that passengers now have more choice.
Rīgas Satiksme’s bus 22 carried 940,000 passengers between July and October this year, or 100,000 more than last year.
Jūrmala Municipality also wants a more convenient connection to the airport. The Mobility Department of the City Council replies in writing that they have met with Lux Express, but have not been able to achieve what was hoped.
Lux Express adds that it has no plans to open new routes from the airport at the moment, focusing on the connection to Riga city center.
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