RIGA, Jan 28 (LETA) - Public transport passengers will see a number of improvements this year, Transport Minister Talis Linkaits (New Conservative Party) reported, presenting the Transport Ministry's priorities.

The minister said that one of the most important events not only this year but for the past ten years will be launch of the new electric trains in Latvia. The trains will arrive in Latvia for testing and certification in the first half of this year, but in the fall they will be launched for passenger transportation. At the same time, modernization of 48 passenger platforms at train stations will be started.

In the first quarter of this year a procurement for new battery trains will be announced. Seven trains will be purchased with the funds of the EU Recovery Fund, and two trains with the Cohesion Fund financing.

In the second half of this year, a unified public transport ticket system will be put into operation.

Residents of Cesis, Limbazi, Sigulda, Jekabpils, Ogre, Aizkraukle, Preili and Livane will see modern buses on passenger transportation routes.

Also, investments will be made in regional road infrastructure.