Latvia, Legislation, Society, Strike, Transport

''We urge all on February 1 and 2 to ignore Riga public transportation on February 1 and 2. This is a protest against the increase in public transportation fares in Riga, and an appeal to all residents,'' the appeal on the group's ''Facebook'' page says.

The group goes on to say that it is wrong to raise the price of public transportation by almost 100%, and added that a large portion of the public live with minimal income, and that every cent is important.

The group also points out that an increase in public transportation fares will facilitate larger emigration by residents to other countries, as well as increase traffic in the city.

As reported, the Riga City Council approved on January 16 the proposal to set the public transport fare in the city at EUR 1.15 from February 1.

According to the Riga City Council's decision, the previous 50% discount that applied to all residents of Riga (who carry the "Rigan ID") will be cancelled, and from February 1 tickets will cost EUR 1.15 for all. The other discounts – for pensioners, schoolchildren and persons with disabilities – will remain unchanged. A single ride will cost EUR 2 if the passenger buys the ticket from the driver of bus, tram, or trolley bus.