Easter Event
07-04-2012

The small train travelled with guests on board to Paparde station where various traditional Easter celebrations took place on 7th of April. The event was organized in cooperation with the company "Pasazieru vilciens", because of that the train Riga - Gulbene - Riga was combined with the Easter event of Banitis.

The 100 000th train services on Banitis
17-03-2012

On 17th March the Banitis ran its 100 000th train service since the line was opened in 1903. To mark this event the Banitis company arranged a special train and sightseeing tour of Aluksne for guests. These were organized in cooperation with the company "Pasazieru vilciens" which brought the guests from Riga by broad gauge train.

Banitis receive Licence for Operation Freight Trains
06-03-2012

On 6th March "Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd. was issued with a new Licence allowing the operation of freight services. This item is very important as it is required to enable freight wagons to be attached to passenger trains services and makes it possible for us to convey heavier luggage, especially bicycles.

Banitis Driver Receives EU Train Driver's Licence
07-12-2011

An engine-driver with the train operating company "Gulbene - Aluksne Banitis" Juris Vilums has become the first person in Latvia to obtain a Train Driver's Licence under EU legislation.

New song "Banitis" takes part at the competition
21-11-2011

Local musicians Gunars & Zane from Veclaicene (Aluksne region) performed new song "Banitis" for the Banitis festival telling story about narrow gauge railway Gulbene - Aluksne. Now the composition participate at the musical competition "Latvijas slageraptaujа" showing video-clip created at studio "EG video".
Video-clip

Saint Martin's Day
12-11-2011

On 12th November Saint Martin's Day was celebrated at Stameriene Station. The festivities included a traditional Autumn fair together with singing and dancing accompanied by a folk group. More than 400 visitors arrived from Riga on a special train which was laid on as part of the cooperation arrangements between Banitis and Pasazieru vilciens, the operator on the broad gauge network.

Biking-tour "Outrun the Banitis"
08-10-2011

On 8th October a bike ride from Gulbene to Stameriena was arranged by the local tourism organisation to mark the end of the cycling season. The ride attracted large numbers of participants who raced the narrow gauge train to Stameriene station. Supporters of the tour included the Gulbene - Aluksne railway company (Banitis), Gulbene Library and the "Europe Direct" information centre.

Riga - Gulbene train runs on Saturdays once a month
26-09-2011

The company "Pasazieru vilciens" in cooperation with "Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd organizes combined tours on Saturdays once a month starting on 1st of October and continuing 12 November, 17 December, 7 January, 25 February, 17 March and 7 April. These tours include a ride on Banitis together with visits to places of interest such as Stameriena Castle and Ate museum.

Banitis receive new Licence and Safety Certificate
20-09-2011

"Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd. was given a new Licence and Safety certificate at the beginning of September 2011 following the expiry of the original documents. These items are very important as they are needed to enable the operation of regular passenger services.

Railway Festival 2011
03-09-2011

During the event decorated trains were running on the line all over the day. Shows, performances, open-air dances - took place at the stations Gulbene, Stameriene and Aluksne. The culmination was the Banitis night trip together with rock band "Dzelzs Vilks" giving performances directly on the board of train.

"Cultural walk" on the Board of Train
14-05-2011

"Cultural walk" on the Board of Train was organized to Northern Vidzeme by company "Pasazieru vilciens" in cooperation with "Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd on 14th of May. This event was a part of celebration 10th anniversary of "Pasazieru vilciens", with participation of creative students and professors from Academies of Arts, Music and Culture.

Sunny and really spring-like Easter
24-04-2011

The small train travelled with over 100 passengers on board to Paparde station where various traditional Easter celebrations took place.

Banitis Company Celebrates 10th Anniversary
20-04-2011

"Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd recalls the event, when company was entered on the Register of Companies on 20th of April 2001. Since that much work has been carried out by company to develop the infrastructure for the need regular and tourist services.

Train Riga - Gulbene will run on Saturdays from 14th of May
14-04-2011

The company "Pasazieru vilciens" in cooperation with "Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd organizes combined tours on Saturdays starting on 14th of May. This tour includes a ride on Banitis together with visits to places of interest such as Stameriena Castle and Ate museum.

Discussion regarding development of Banitis
31-03-2011

Discussion regarding development of narrow-gauge railway Gulbene - Aluksne took place at the State Inspection for Heritage Protection on 31st of March. As a result of the meeting, participants from different institutions approved the paper drawing attention to necessity of transferring the heritage property to a single legal entity (instead of several owners as it is at present).

Special train Riga - Gulbene will be in service during Easter
23-03-2011

The company "Pasazieru vilciens" in cooperation with "Gulbene - Aluksne banitis" Ltd organize the first combined trip on Easter day, 24th of April. The train Riga - Gulbene - Riga will be combined with the Easter event of Banitis. Broad gauge passenger train leaves Riga for Gulbene in the morning - 8.25.

Banitis treat passengers to tea during the cold weather
17-02-2011

On account of the unusually cold weather this winter, Banitis is treating passengers to hot tea. Tea will be available on the train during every scheduled trip until weather becomes warmer. It should be mentioned, there is also good opportunity to see historical snow-plough in operation because of thick snow in Gulbene region.

Minister of Transport visits at the railway
14-01-2011

Minister of Transport and Communications Uldis Augulis made a working visit to Gulbene on 14th of January. He met representatives of local authorities and transport companies. The Minister visited also the narrow gauge railway and discussed the issues of development with director of company "Gulbene - Aluksne Banitis" Toms Altbergs.

Changes in the timetable and request stops
10-01-2011

The timetable has been changed with effect from 1st of February 2011. This is because of the introduction of request stops at Birze, Purini, Dunduri, Paparde and Vejini.
Timetable from 01.02.2011