RIGA, Jan 17 (LETA) - In 2021, a total of 28.06 million passengers were transported by regional buses and trains, which is 14.9 percent less than in 2020, the Road Transport Administration told LETA.

17.02 million passengers were transported by regional buses, a decrease of 15.4 percent on 2020, and 11.04 million passengers by trains, a 14.1 percent decrease.

The Road Transport Administration also said that seven new bus routes were launched last year, while 24 routes were closed.

Last year, public transport services were provided with 1,211 buses, the average age of those buses was 9.34 years.

The role of train was strengthened in the public transport services system, opening new train runs. Two new express trains have been introduced on Riga-Daugavpils route on a daily basis, a daily new run has been opened to and from Madona, and a new run to and from Gulbene on weekends.