Goodwill and generosity of the people of Riga, Latvia will always be a cherished memory

From the Baltic Times Newspaper - Good Samaritans in Riga 
9 Sept 2010

I am writing to share a story of kindness and generosity we experienced on Aug. 26, 2010 in Riga. My wife and I, along with another couple, were in a taxi returning from Brivdabas Muzejs to our ship, which was docked near Old Town. Unfortunately, as we drove along, our taxi collided with another car in a serious accident.

Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. Although not hurt, we were dazed and had several aches and pains. As we stood on the sidewalk, many people gathered to look at the accident. Among them was a young couple who came up to us and spoke to us in English. We were unable to speak the local language so this young couple was like an angel to us. We asked them if they would act as interpreters, which they graciously did. They offered us water. They invited to let us sit in their car out of the chilly wind. They even offered to give us a ride to our ship, but their car was too small to accommodate the four of us. They eventually called another cab for us, so we could get back to our ship before departure time.

The second cab arrived and took us to our ship. When we exited the cab and attempted to pay the fare, the driver said: “You do not need to pay. I have already been paid” and held up money he had been holding in his hand. We do not know who paid the fare. As we boarded the ship, we were not thinking about the bad accident we had just experienced, but we were thinking of the kindness shown to four strangers in Riga. The goodwill and generosity of the people of Riga, Latvia will always be a cherished memory.

Gratefully, Four American visitors, David McAllister

PS: We forgot to get the contact information of the young couple. He had lived in Ireland for several months and learned to speak very good English. The girl had learned her English in school. To both of them, a big THANK YOU.

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Riga Latvia Airport Taxi to City Center - Use Red Cab

Airport Taxi

As a private tourist office since 1991, we have extensive experience with the taxi companies operating in Riga.

From many points of view, we ONLY recommend the use of the Red Colored cars now displaying the logo RED CAB on the hood bonnet or side of the cars or vans.

Also on the taxi are the telephone numbers: 800 0 1313 (toll free) and the new mobile cell phone toll free number 8383

Make sure the meter is turned on and operating. The total price from the airport to city center depending on time of day and traffic should be from 8.00 Ls to 12.00 Ls

If you have any problems with the taxi, get a receipt, a description of the driver and the vehicle license number. Background of the license plate should be yellow in color.

Then telephone the special Tourist Office Hotline and make a complaint.

Tourist - Visitor Problem Hotline

24 hours in English -- +371-2-203-3000 If you are not comfortable with their driving style - please tell them so ! To assist you in this, we have prepared a form with six (6) useful languages phrases that you may show to the driver. click for printablle form on 3 languages Frequently Ask Questions Visiting Riga (FAQ) Air Baltic Shuttle Bus Public Transport Number 22 Bus to City Center .

Print this and show to taxi drivers in Latvia - drive more safe !

Taxis in Latvia - do the drivers drive safely ?

I am sure you can guess the answer !

But, the question is relative - safe to what?

So in your opinion if the driving is not safe enough, print the attached form and show it to the driver. Perhaps that can read better than they drive.


- click to display -

- click for printable version -



If you feel strong about your complaint, then we really encourage you to telephone the Special Hotline and report this incident personally.

That number is +371- 2 - 203 - 3000 < --- call right now - please The taxi problem in Riga is well know and well documented on our website and many others. Perhaps Riga is really much like other cities. But the difference is in our opinion, is that no body really cares. That's the issue - no one seems to care about the customer in Latvia !

The really only honest taxi company in Riga is the company that operates RED Renaults and small Ford cars. http://www.rtp.lv/

The dispatcher for the Red car taxi company may be called at: 800 - 0 - 1313


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Small Group Riga Airport Transfer - Take the Air Baltic Bus

Looking for an alternative to a taxi from the airport queue?

Take the AirBaltic Shuttle

Inexpensive and we hear that the drivers will drop you in many locations.

Excellent if you are going to Hotel Reval area.

more information

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Red Taxis now at Riga Train Station

GOOD News - The "good guys" now at the train station