The new Škoda electric trains, put into service in Latvia just over a month ago, had many serious technical defects, which is why railway traffic was interrupted for a long time.
Expectations for the new electric trains were and are high in Latvia, because they had to wait much longer than several deadlines, and even now the Škoda Vagonka brigades who rushed to the aid of Riga cannot guarantee that the rolling stock will arrive at the right place in The right moment.
Due to technical failures, the trains simply stopped, which is why passengers had to spend hours in the cold. Delays have become so frequent that people waiting for a vehicle at Riga train station late at night don’t know whether they will be able to get home for the night or not.
Within three weeks, 26 class A defects were discovered on new trains that cannot be used in traffic. Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens has given Škoda Vagonka two months to put 95% of the purchased trains in order. A total of 32 people are expected to arrive in Latvia.
Failure to do so will result in penalties being levied on the manufacturer. “This is a globally established standard. When a new train type is launched, at least 95 percent of the rolling stock must be fully operational within two months,” explained Briškens.
But many problems have also emerged at the top of Latvia. Therefore, the entire board of directors of the Latvian passenger transport company resigned and temporary members were appointed. To alleviate the crisis, the restoration of old trains on the line is also being considered.
“I am waiting for clear solutions, otherwise we will start making serious decisions. In the current situation, we will present Škoda with the maximum fine,” Briškens said.
But other problems have emerged in the field of transport. Thus, rather unexpectedly for public opinion, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Ilonda Stepanova, was removed from office, because the minister opened an official investigation against her. The reason could be problems related to Rail Baltic, but the ministry does not confirm this and does not provide more detailed explanations.
However, Minister Briškens, who has been in office for just four months, said that there are so many shortcomings in the entire sector he manages that it may not be possible to resolve them quickly.
2024-01-29 17:03:00
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