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Coding the Curbs: Transport Smart Parking Area

To improve traffic management and reduce congestion, a new digital solution for smart parking development was piloted in Riga. Coding the Curbs project introduced a system that allows pre-booking of delivery vehicle parking spaces, real-time monitoring of their availability, and analysis of the usage data.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

Delivery vehicles often search for free parking spaces, block streets and sidewalks, and contribute to congestion and pollution. This solution helps to:
✔ Reduce unnecessary mileage by optimizing delivery flow;
✔ Free up sidewalks and roadways, making traffic safer;
✔ Decrease air and noise pollution, as vehicles no longer need to circle around searching for parking;
✔ Use urban space more efficiently by adapting delivery zones to different needs at different times.

Target of the Project

To create a convenient and efficient system for organizing and managing delivery transport, while promoting a more pleasant urban environment.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Less congestion and faster deliveries – vehicles find parking more quickly and do not block traffic;
✔ Cleaner air and quieter city – fewer unnecessary kilometers driven and reduced emissions;
✔ Safer traffic – fewer vehicles parked in areas where they obstruct pedestrians and drivers;
✔ Efficient use of space – delivery zones can be adapted to different time-based needs.

Project Activities

✔ Surveys conducted with logistics companies and local businesses to tailor the solution to real needs;
✔ Development of a digital platform for finding and booking delivery parking spots at specific times;
✔ Pilot testing of the solution in the urban environment;
✔ Preparation of a guide to help other cities adapt and implement the solution.

Testbed Territory in Riga

The Riga Technical University campus in Ķīpsala living lab.

Project Results

✔ A data analysis tool was developed and tested to support future urban logistics planning;
✔ A practical guide was prepared to support implementation in other cities;
✔ A dedicated parking zone marking system was created and tested to identify smart parking areas;
✔ A digital parking reservation solution was tested, allowing visitors to check real-time availability;
✔ Constraints were identified that limited full-scale testing and implementation in the urban environment;
✔ Necessary changes were identified in the Road Traffic Regulations.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: EIT Urban Mobility (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)
Total project budget: EUR 374 800
Riga city total budget:
EU funding for Riga Municipality: EUR 33 700
Co-financing by Riga Municipality: EUR 8 425

Implementation Period: 01.11.2022 – 31.12.2024

Project Partners: Coding the Curbs (lead partner), Riga City Council, Gemeente Groningen, District 6 of Bucharest Municipality

Contact Information

Email: smart@riga.lv

Project Links

Coding the Curbs – EIT Urban Mobility

Environmental and Air Quality Monitoring Station in Ķīpsala

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An environmental and air quality monitoring station has been installed in Ķīpsala, enabling residents to track air cleanliness and other environmental factors in real time. Measurement data is displayed on a public screen at Zunda Embankment and is also available to the municipality and researchers, helping to identify pollution sources and plan actions to improve environmental quality.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

Air pollution is a major factor affecting people’s health and quality of life. The monitoring station provides accurate and up-to-date data to support evidence-based decision-making in urban planning and environmental protection.

Target of the Project

To establish an open, data-driven environmental monitoring system that enables residents, the municipality, and scientists to monitor air quality and other environmental indicators in real time, thus providing information for sustainable urban planning.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Accurate information on air quality and pollution to help plan daily activities;
✔ Data to support better decision-making in environmental protection;
✔ Scientifically grounded urban improvement solutions using smart technologies;
✔ Option to receive alerts about elevated pollution levels.

Project Activities

✔ Installation of the monitoring station;
✔ Public display with real-time environmental data updated every hour;
✔ Data analysis and availability for municipal planning to reduce pollution;
✔ Public awareness and education initiatives on environmental quality and its impact on health.

Testbed Territory in Riga

The Ķīpsala living lab, with a display screen located at Zunda Embankment.

Project Results

✔ Real-time environmental and air quality data available to residents, the municipality, and researchers;
✔ Improved city capacity to monitor and manage environmental quality using smart technologies;
✔ Increased public awareness and engagement in environmental issues.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Investment by SIA Tet

Implementation Date: Station installed in October 2023

Project Partners: SIA Tet, Riga City Municipality

Contact Information

Email: smart@riga.lv
Guna Soloveja
Head of Research and Business Development Department, SIA Tet
Email: guna.soloveja@tet.lv

GEO RIGA: A Geospatial Data Publishing Platform

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GEO RĪGA is a geographic information system established by the Riga Municipality that brings together and publishes geospatial data held by the local government. It is a platform that provides access to information about the administrative territory of Riga for residents, businesses, researchers, neighbourhood activists, and other interest groups, facilitating data usage and promoting transparency in municipal operations.

The Significance of the Platform for Riga

GEO RĪGA allows residents and businesses to access up-to-date geospatial information that reflects the city’s current situation. This increases transparency in municipal processes, supports public participation in urban development, and provides valuable data for research, investment, and planning.

Target of the Platform

The goal of GEO RĪGA is to provide convenient online access to the geospatial data managed by the Riga Municipality. It enables individuals and organizations to view and use data without the need for licensed software or in-person visits to municipal offices.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Easy access to data – users can view and use information at any time, from anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet access;
✔ Resource efficiency – reduces the need to contact the municipality in person for information or consultation;
✔ More opportunities – users can combine data and perform analyses without special software or additional costs;
✔ Civic participation – GEO RĪGA supports public consultations, surveys, and participatory activities, strengthening resident involvement in city development.

Results for Riga

✔ Increased transparency – open access to geospatial data fosters trust and clarity in municipal operations;
✔ Resident engagement – the public can use the data to participate in planning processes and contribute to improving their living environment;
✔ Support for innovation – the platform serves as a foundation for the development of data-driven solutions and innovations in Riga.

Contact Information

E-mail: georiga@riga.lv

Platform Link

https://georiga.eu/

Smart Lighting in Ķīpsala

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A smart lighting system has been implemented in Ķīpsala to reduce electricity consumption and improve the quality of the urban environment. This solution combines low-energy LED luminaires, motion sensors, and smart controllers to adjust light intensity based on pedestrian and vehicle movement.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

Riga is actively introducing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to reduce electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional street lighting operates at constant power, even when there is no activity in the area.

Smart lighting enables adjustment of light intensity according to real-time conditions, which:
✔ Reduces electricity consumption and results in significant financial savings;
✔ Improves urban quality by reducing light pollution and tailoring lighting to actual needs;
✔ Contributes to Riga’s climate goals by supporting the shift to sustainable solutions.

Target of the Project

To design and test an energy-efficient smart lighting system that helps reduce electricity consumption, optimize street lighting, and enhance urban comfort.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Lower electricity costs – municipal savings can be redirected to other urban improvements;
✔ A greener city – reduced CO₂ emissions and energy use;
✔ A safer and more pleasant urban environment – adaptive lighting ensures better visibility and pedestrian safety;
✔ Data-driven optimization – smart solutions allow long-term improvements in street lighting across Riga.

Project Activities

✔ Pilot project implementation in Ķīpsala – 66 lighting poles installed;
✔ Electricity consumption analysis to assess savings;
✔ Testing of adaptive lighting based on traffic flow;
✔ Data analysis and development of improvements for future expansion in other city areas.

Testbed Territory in Riga

Ķīpsala living lab – Āzenes Street, Ķīpsalas Street, and Zunda Embankment.

Project Results

✔ Electricity consumption decreased by 79% compared to the previous year;
✔ The municipality saved EUR 4 685.44 in the first six months of operation;
✔ Improved air quality and reduced emissions due to lower energy consumption;
✔ Environmental and air sensor station tested – collecting data on air quality, noise levels, and traffic intensity.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Private sector partnership

Implementation Period: 01.10.2022 – 31.12.2025

Project Partners: Tet, Riga City Municipality’s Spatial Planning and Mobility Department’s Maintenance Board (former Riga Municipal Agency “Rīgas gaisma”), Riga Technical University, and Idea Lights (a subsidiary of Draugiem Group)

Contact Information

Email: valters.krasts@riga.lv

Project Links

Tet launches smart city project in Ķīpsala and introduces smart lighting
Higher air pollution in Ķīpsala during winter months, according to Tet air quality monitoring station data

“SimpleCharge” – An Electric Vehicle Charging Solution Using Streetlight Poles in Ķīpsala

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Testing a new, innovative electric car charging solution using street lighting poles. The Latvian start-up company “SimpleCharge” has created the first electric charging station in street lanterns in the Baltic States, introducing technologies that effectively use existing infrastructure. This approach offers a simpler and cheaper way to develop an electric car charging network, especially in urban environments.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

In Riga and many places in Latvia, electric car charging infrastructure is insufficient, especially in apartment building districts. Without adequate charging options, residents have limited opportunities to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles.
This project demonstrates how existing street lantern infrastructure can be used to:
✔ Provide a convenient and affordable charging of electric cars;
✔ Reduce the cost of building infrastructure;
✔ Facilitate the transition of residents to sustainable mobility, which helps to reduce CO2 emissions and noise in the urban environment.

Target of the Project

Develop an innovative and efficient electric car charging solution that uses pre-existing infrastructure to increase the availability of the charging network and provide consumers with convenient, accessible electric charging options.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Easy access to charging: power charging options at parking lots using lighting poles without the need for major construction work;
✔ Availability in multi-apartment areas: the solution is also appropriate for places with limited infrastructure;
✔ Green mobility: support for the switch to electric cars helps reduce CO2 emissions and noise;
✔ Easy use: 24/7 charging access via the Eleport app;
✔ Lower costs: Building charging infrastructure was faster and more economical than traditional methods.

Project Activities

✔ Charging facilities were installed in the Pilot area, charging stations provided up to 22 kW of charging capacity using the power available in the lighting network with power balancing;
✔ Preparations, installation and dismantling were carried out at the end of the pilot period;
✔ Residents were educated and the solution was tested using the Eleport application.

Testbed Territory in Riga

The project has been implemented in the living lab of Ķīpsala in Riga, where charging stations were installed on the banks of Zunda, outside the building of the Faculty of Electrical and environmental Engineering of Riga Technical University and on Apes Street.

Project Results

✔ Demonstration on how the existing infrastructure can serve electric car charging, creating new opportunities for urban development;
✔ Fostered the development of the electric car charging network, especially in the urban environment, reducing costs and facilitating the harmonisation process;
✔ Provided more convenient access to electric car charging, which contributes to the development of sustainable mobility and helps to achieve Riga’s climate goals;
✔ Demonstrated the effectiveness of technology that allowed multiple electric cars to be charged simultaneously.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Riga City Council programme “Support for the installation of technologies in the technology pilot areas of the smart city”
Total budget for Riga: EUR 3 345

Implementation Period: 01.01.2022 – 31.12.2023

Project Partners: Riga Municipality Agency “Rīgas gaisma”, “SimpleCharge”

Contact Information

Email: smart@riga.lv

Project Links

Simplecharge offers first electric car charging solution in Baltic States using street lanterns – Labs of Latvia