She points out that bus number 22 is the only public transport route connecting Riga Airport with the city center, so it is regularly used by foreign guests. In the situation she observed, a passenger was trying to find out in English how to buy a ticket, but received a rather harsh response. According to the woman, the ticket inspector loudly repeated in response to the passenger's question: “I don’t speak! I don’t speak!” Instead of explaining how to purchase a ticket, the communication between them became unpleasant. The woman also noted that for a passenger who arrived in Riga for the first time, it was unclear where to find information about purchasing a ticket in English. In her opinion, this is especially important on bus number 22, which transports passengers from the airport to the center. She believes that such a situation can create an unpleasant first impression of the city for a foreign guest. A discussion unfolded on social media regarding the incident, where people pointed out how understandable the information about purchasing tickets on public transport in Riga is for foreign passengers. “Rīgas satiksme” also reacted to the post, explaining where passengers can find information about purchasing tickets in English. “Rīgas satiksme” indicates that information about purchasing tickets in English is available in several places. The company explains that information in English is posted at the stop by the airport, as well as at ticket machines where one can select English and buy a ticket. Additionally, information in two languages is also placed in bus number 22 near the driver's cabin. At the same time, “Rīgas satiksme” stated that it will assess the specific situation, including checking how the communication between the inspector and the passenger took place. The company also reported that work is underway on a new procurement that would allow passengers to pay for their trips with a bank card in the future.
