In August, buses traveled from Tartu to Riga three times a day. Since September, there are only two trips per day in both directions. The bus company LuxExpress expects city support during the off-season, but the city does not want to provide it.
The first bus departed from Tartu to Riga at 7:55 AM. The last bus from Riga to Tartu departed at 6:45 PM. The Tartu Latvian Society wrote to the city and LuxExpress, expressing that many people were surprised by the reduction in trips. This particularly affected foreigners and people who work in Riga or visit their relatives there.
LuxExpress’s manager Ingmar Roos said that the morning bus was canceled because there were very few passengers. He stated that in the spring, there were an average of 22 passengers per bus trip. This was not enough to make the trips profitable. Therefore, it was decided to suspend the bus. The company plans to reopen the bus route in May 2026.
In the first five months, the bus route incurred a loss of approximately €7,000 per month. LuxExpress has informed the City of Tartu that it is ready to restore the morning bus if the city supports it with €4,500 per month. The total support would amount to €40,000 over nine months.
Roos added that the situation has become more complicated because now it is possible to travel from Tartu to Riga by train as well. Last year, bus trips had an average of 29–30 passengers, which was sufficient. This year, the number of passengers has decreased. The company is willing to bear part of the loss but seeks a small support from the city.
Tartu City Secretary Jüri Mölder stated that the state supports international bus routes, but the local government can also provide support. He added that European rules regulate when market aid is possible. The city is analyzing procedures related to next year’s budget. If the procedures are completed and there is money in the budget, support is possible.