RIGA, Sept 8 (LETA) - The Riga City Council plans to provide night public transport in the capital until the end of October, according to a draft resolution approved by the City Council's Communications and Transport Committee.

According to information provided at the committee meeting, the number of passengers using night transport has proved higher than expected. As a result, Rigas Satiksme municipal transport company's loss from the night service has been smaller. This, in turn, allows to continue the project with the already allocated funding.

A total of 8,181 passengers used night public transport from May 17 to September 7, with City Center-Mezciems emerging as the most popular route, used by 3,241 passengers.

At the committee meeting, some councilors voiced concerns that people who enjoy nightlife in the old town choose to take public transport instead of going home by taxi. This, in their view, raises ethical questions as to why other taxpayers should pay for such night rides.

However, councilors were generally in favor of continuing the night service throughout October and suggested that the possibility of year-round night service should be considered.

From May 17, night public transport is available on weekends and public holidays in Riga - three bus routes run from the city center to some of the largest neighborhoods of Riga.