Vilnius will procure 145 electric buses aiming to increase number of routes and frequencies

Vilnius public transport operator UAB Vilniaus viešasis transportas (VVT) has announced the procurement of 145 new electric buses to modernize the city’s transport fleet. The buses will be purchased in four types: 8 m small-capacity, 10 m medium-capacity, 12 m two-axle, and 18 m three-axle articulated models. The information are released by the city government itself with a press note.

In parallel, the city is also upgrading its trolleybus network. All 91 new Škoda 32 Tr trolleybuses awarded in May 2023 have now been delivered, featuring a battery range of up to 20 km for autonomous operation. The release also mentions that a second phase of the renewal project has already begun, with plans to acquire an additional 73 trolleybuses.

145 electric buses and seven new routes

The new buses will be low-floor and equipped with advanced passenger information and safety systems. These vehicles will not only replace aging diesel buses but also expand the public transport network and improve service frequency.

To enhance public transport services, the city will introduce seven new routes, increase frequency on 44 routes, and adjust 46 existing routes. Once implemented, buses will run every 6–10 minutes in the city center and every 15 minutes in outer districts. The total fleet size will grow by 30%, says the city’s press note.

The total value of the procurement is estimated at €89 million, reaching €97 million with maintenance services. Contracts with selected suppliers are expected to be signed in Q3 2025, with bus deployment planned for 2026–2027.