Lithuania implements transport discounts and payment changes

Lithuania is implementing several changes to its public transportation systems. Starting October 9, train tickets for local routes will be available at a 50 percent discount until December 31. This initiative, aimed at addressing rising fuel costs, is expected to cost the state approximately 2.8 million EUR and could attract 45,000 new passengers.

Additionally, a legislative amendment is being processed to extend this 50 percent discount to intercity bus travel. If approved by the Seimas, this expansion would cost an additional 3.15 million EUR, with the state compensating carriers for lost revenue.

In Kaunas, public transport operators plan to phase out cash payments. Starting December 1, passengers will no longer be able to purchase tickets from drivers using cash on buses and trolleybuses. This move follows a trend where cash transactions have dropped to less than 5 percent of all trips, as passengers increasingly favor mobile apps, transit cards, and contactless bank card payments.