New Zemitāna Bridge Escalators Often Found Not Running, Residents Say

The first outdoor escalators in the Baltic states began operating this autumn on the reconstructed Zemitāna Bridge in Riga. They are part of one of Riga's 15 mobility points, created to make it easier to get from a public transport stop to the railway station. Local residents say, however, that the escalators frequently do not move and they have to use the stairs instead. The news portal TVNET+ put the matter to Riga City Council to find out why the machines stop and who is responsible.

The city's message

Riga mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs said during a visit to the bridge on 25 September that the city had put in order one of its most important traffic hubs and made transfers between trains and Riga public transport much more convenient. He also mentioned modern access by lift and escalator.

Residents' experience

Vadims, a resident of the Purvciems neighbourhood, told TVNET+ that when walking down from the bridge he often finds the escalators out of order. In his words, it feels as though they were installed only for appearances. Other residents of the area who were surveyed expressed similar dissatisfaction.

The city council's explanation of why the escalators stop and who is responsible is not included in the opening part of the article.