Bus Service Added to Mitigate Train Disruptions on Tartu-Valga Route
Additional bus services are now operating between Valga and Tartu following reductions in train connections stemming from the launch of a direct train service between Tartu and Riga. The temporary measure, agreed upon by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and Valga County local government leaders, aims to minimize inconvenience for commuters.
Riga Train Connection Causes Adjustments
The changes to the train schedule were prompted by the fresh direct route to Riga, which began operation in January 2025, as reported by Elron. However, these adjustments led to a two-hour delay for one morning train from Valga to Tartu on Friday, causing significant disruption for passengers.
Passenger Numbers on Valga-Tartu Route
According to Valga County officials, even prior to the Riga connection, passenger numbers on the Valga-Tartu route were relatively low. In November, fewer than 30 people boarded the train at Valga station, with an average of 37 arriving in Tartu. “Local government leaders and our people point out that since we have fewer residents here, the number of passengers is also going to be smaller. Every person is important and ought to be taken into account,” said Ivar Unt, head of the Valga County Public Transport Center.
Trial Bus Service Details
The trial bus service, running from March 1 to June 10, departs Valga in the morning, arriving in Tartu at 8:45 a.m., stopping at locations previously served by the train. Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras (Eesti 200) explained the rationale behind the initiative.
Future Improvements to Train Service
In a year’s time, when Elron’s new electric trains are in operation, the diesel train schedule between Valga and Tartu can also be adapted. “We have to have a little patience because there will be railway repairs in the summer. However, from 2027, we will have seven connections instead of five, and there will also be a train returning that arrives in Tartu at 9 a.m.,” said Mayor of Valga Mart Kase. Kase added that this is a “big win for Valga,” as it will allow residents to commute to operate in Tartu and potentially encourage more people to move to the area.
Riga Train Usage
Elron’s direct train between Tartu and Riga has been operating for a month, with an average of under 30 passengers per trip. However, ticket sales in Latvia have only recently begun. “This is quite expected – we assumed that it would be slow at the start and then gradually grow. But we have had days when more than 30 passengers have boarded in Riga,” said Elron Board Chair Lauri Betlem.
Summer Infrastructure Renovations
Eesti Raudtee is due to renovate its infrastructure in the summer, which is likely to cause disruptions to both the Valga and Riga connections from Tartu.