"On behalf of the Latvian passenger train operator Vivi, we organized a night test run during which we checked the technical compatibility of the diesel trains Stadler FLIRT used in Estonia with the Riga – Daugavpils railway line," said Elron's Chairman of the Board Lauri Betlem. "The test run took place after the arrival of the daily evening train from Tallinn to Riga. The trip was successful and confirmed the technical suitability of the rolling stock for this section of the railway," he noted. According to Betlem, Vivi has expressed interest in renting the train to service the last evening train from Riga to Daugavpils and the earliest morning train from Daugavpils to Riga. "This is an interesting project for us, as it will help increase the effective operating time of the train. Currently, our Tartu–Riga train stays overnight in Riga, and this downtime could be used more efficiently," added Betlem. "Latvia has successfully completed the modernization of the rolling stock on its electrified railway lines, which serve nearly 90 percent of our passengers. We see that passengers highly appreciate the comfort offered by the new electric trains. At the same time, the Latvian government has signed a contract for the supply of nine battery trains with zero emissions, which are expected to be put into operation on non-electrified lines by the end of 2029. Nevertheless, we are also looking for alternative opportunities to offer passengers higher quality service as soon as possible," said Vivi's Chairman of the Board Raitis Nešpors. Currently, Vivi provides one daily service between Riga and Valka, using a modern diesel train PESA rented from the Lithuanian passenger train operator LTG Link. "The route to Daugavpils is the second largest in the Vivi diesel train network, so the company is already looking for solutions to improve passenger service on this line this year. One of the options being considered is cooperation with Elron in the form of future rental of Stadler FLIRT diesel trains," said Nešpors. "To ensure the availability of additional modern rolling stock, a state tender for the rental of trains will be conducted. This will allow Vivi to perform one daily trip from Riga to Daugavpils and back while also reducing travel time between the two cities," he added. Daugavpils is the second most populous city in Latvia. The maximum speed of the low-floor diesel trains Stadler FLIRT used in Estonia is 160 km/h. The trains are equipped with an automatic climate control system, free Wi-Fi is available on board, and the trains operating on the Tallinn–Riga route are equipped with Starlink connectivity. The trains have spaces for wheelchairs, bike storage areas, and a restroom accessible for passengers with limited mobility.