Riga train passengers complain about smoking on platforms
A social media discussion reveals that smoking on public transport platforms in Latvia, though legally banned, often goes unenforced. Passengers are calling for stricter controls or designated smoking areas.
A discussion on the social platform Threads has grown around smoking on Riga train platforms, started by a woman who complained that she often has to breathe cigarette smoke while waiting for trains. She noted that trains are a convenient way to get around the city, but asked who she should contact to get the smoking ban properly enforced.
Under Latvian law, smoking is banned in public transport shelters and on platforms, as well as inside vehicles. However, participants in the discussion agreed that this ban is frequently ignored in practice.
Not just about cigarettes
Commenters pointed out similar problems caused by cyclists riding through crowded platforms instead of walking their bikes. Others described smoking happening near trains with open windows, as well as smoke-filled train toilets.
The discussion acknowledged that full enforcement is difficult, since it's not possible to station a guard or police officer on every platform. This led some commenters to suggest more radical or ironic solutions, such as spraying smokers with water.
Possible solutions
Several commenters proposed more practical fixes — setting up designated, enclosed smoking areas or glass booths on platforms, similar to those already used at bus stations. It was also suggested that more visible warning signs, such as illuminated ones, could improve compliance, since the current grey signage is often noticed too late.
The discussion shows that while the law technically bans smoking on platforms, in practice it remains a source of frustration for many passengers.
