Government Gives Million to Half-Wits So Buses Don't Stop at Gas Stations

While Riga is still pondering whether a tram is a bus with rails, the Road Transport Directorate has made a revolutionary decision — give regional buses 1.5 million euros so they don't stop in the middle of the road and ask passengers to push.

Fuel prices have risen due to the Middle East conflict, and now buses can't afford to drive further than the nearest gas station. As Liepaja bus driver Gunārs says: "If there's no money for fuel, then I just stay parked at Rose Square and wait for someone to slip a million into my pocket." Directorate representatives explain that this solution ensures "adequate cash flow," which sounds like "enough money so the driver doesn't end up on foot."

What's most surprising is that before giving the money, they actually asked the carriers if they needed money. "We surveyed them about whether they could fulfill their contracts," says a directorate representative. "The answer was: 'No, if you don't give us money.'" Brilliant survey — like asking your son if he wants pocket money.

Now they plan to index prices once a year instead of once every four years, because, as it turns out, the world changes faster than Latvian bureaucracy. But the main thing — buses are running, and that's all that matters while Liepaja residents peacefully wait for their Route 5 at Rose Square.