Estonian trains testing on Latvian tracks ahead of Rīga-Tartu summer express / Article

The test runs are necessary for the certification of trains used in Estonia on Latvian railways so that a direct connection between Tartu and Rīga can be launched.

“We are entering a new phase in the preparation for the opening of the Tartu – Riga passenger train line, where, in cooperation with the Latvian passenger train operator Vivi, we are testing the Stadler FLIRT trains used in Estonia on Latvian railways,” said Elron Management Board Member Märt Ehrenpreis.

“First, test runs will be carried out with a 2-car diesel train, then with a 3-car train. The permit for test runs is valid until June, so that additional tests can be carried out if necessary.”

Test runs on the Valga – Rīga railway section will take place from February 4 to 6, during which Latvian infrastructure monitoring systems, security systems, radio communication and other compatibility tests will be performed, and the entire line, including the side sections necessary for operation, will be visited.

“On the evening of February 4, our train will also arrive at Riga railway station for the first time,” Ehrenpreis noted. The test runs will be carried out with a 2-car train set 2233 “Lembitu”. 

According to Ehrenpreis, the test runs are an important part of the certification of Stadler Flirt passenger trains used in Estonia for operation on Latvian railways.

“We plan to launch the Tartu – Rīga line in the summer, the exact date depends on the success of the certification,” he added.

In January, Elron and its work processes were audited by the Technical Inspectorate of the Latvian Railways and the European Union Agency for Railways, which is processing the safety certificate required for the launch of the much-anticipated Tartu-Rīga line. In mid-January, the Technical Inspectorate of Latvian Railways issued a permit to Elron for test runs on the Valga – Rīga railway section. 

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