📋 Tender Overview
In order to get to know Vivis experience in the process of purchasing existing electric trains, as well as the lessons learned during acceptance and operation, ATD met Vivis management team in person today. The experience gained is essential in order to improve the comfort level of passenger movement within the delivery of ATDs new battery electric trains (BEMU). During the meeting, several suggestions for improving BEMU were discussed and summarized, which would allow to increase the comfort of passengers and the quality of movement, while improving the working conditions of the train service staff. One of the proposals is to create special vertical luggage transport compartments in the carriages so that it does not stand in the aisles during the journey, does not burden the passengers at the feet or is not placed above the seats, especially thinking about the winter weather. It was also proposed to foresee and create special places for the placement of coffee and food vending machines in the train, which would improve passenger comfort during longer journeys. As a third suggestion, the expert group proposed to improve the placement and design of bike racks, which would ensure not only safety, but also create a pleasant and comfortable environment for both bicycle users and other passengers. Such exchanges of experience and discussions between the parties involved in the monitoring of the delivery of rolling stock and the train operator are particularly important, as they allow identifying the nuances found during practical operation, which are not always fully predictable at the design stage. Regular meetings and cooperation contribute to improvements based on user and staff experience, thus ensuring higher quality and greater passenger satisfaction. ATD reminds that on December 11, 2025, a contract was signed with Skoda Group for the purchase of 9 battery electric trains. The battery electric trains will be purchased with the European Union Cohesion Fund and national co-financing. Delivery of battery trains is planned until 2029. In March 2026, ATD signed an agreement with CFLA for the implementation of the mentioned project. In the implementation of European Union projects, high-quality and thorough project implementation administration is essential in order not to create non-compliance risks and financial corrections that directly affect the project budget. EU funds have strict requirements for financial management, procurement, reporting and documentation, so project administration is very important. Battery-powered electric trains are an essential investment for Latvia in order to strengthen the role of railways as the backbone of public transport and improve the quality and availability of passenger transport. During the trip, passengers will be able to appreciate all the modern comforts: climate control, reduced noise and vibration, modern amenities, power outlets and USB-C charging points. The new trains will be adapted to all groups of passengers and will meet the latest European accessibility requirements, they will have a modern signaling system and places for passengers with wheelchairs. Conditions for travelers on two wheels will also be improved. If the old diesel trains typically have a high floor and only 3 places for bicycles, then in the new battery trains there are places for 8 bicycles in the low floor area, including 4 vertically placed and 4 horizontally placed. In the coming years, not only will the comfort for passengers and the speed of movement be significantly improved, but also more environmentally friendly transport will be provided - battery electric trains are quieter and do not cause pollution, therefore also more friendly for both passengers and residents who live near the railway tracks. The new battery electric trains will resemble the electric trains already introduced in transportation. They will be 2 cars long, with a low floor and 188 seats, incl. 24 seats in the 1st class. The design speed of the new trains is up to 160 km/h, and in battery mode - 120 km/h. It is expected that a significantly better acceleration compared to the existing diesel trains will make it possible to make fuller use of the available 120 km/h railway infrastructure and reduce the time on the road potentially by up to 15-25 minutes. Thus, trains will become competitive with private cars. Battery electric trains (BEMU; from English - Battery Electric Multiple Unit) are electric trains that are additionally equipped with batteries to serve non-electrified railway sections. They can be charged both during the trip on the electrified lines and at special charging stations. These new battery trains will run primarily in the directions of Daugavpils and Cesu, where the charging infrastructure necessary for them will be built. Information prepared by: Viktors Zakis VSIA Motor Transport Directorate Head of Communication Department E-mail: viktors.zakis@atd.lv
