Rīga-Tartu test train might depart before year’s end

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A test run of the much-anticipated Tartu-Rīga train connection could take place before the end of 2024 if no surprises occur, said Estonian state-owned passenger train operator Elron’s board. The line is expected to open for passengers next year, reports ERR News .

For several years, governments in both Tallinn and Rīga have said they are in favor of restoring a direct service between the two major Baltic cities.

A longer-than-expected certification process meant the connection did not run between the cities during Tartu’s year as the EU capital of culture, to the disappointment of many.

But most of the issues have now been overcome and the project can move forward, said Märt Ehrenpreis, Elron board member.

“Essentially, we can say that this week, the documentation and preparatory work have reached a level where it is possible to submit the trial run application to the Latvian safety authority,” he said.  

If there are no new surprises, a mandatory test run should be able to take place before the end of 2024. There is as yet no information about how frequent the service between the two cities will be, nor how much tickets are likely to cost. 

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