Lithuania to introduce 50% discount on long-distance bus travel

The Lithuanian government has approved legislative changes to provide a 50% discount on long-distance bus travel for the months of November and December. This initiative, proposed by Transport Minister Juras Taminskas, aims to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and inflation on citizens, including students, seniors, and families.

To prevent artificial price hikes, the state will compensate carriers based on tariffs set for September 1, 2026. The total cost to the state for this bus subsidy is estimated at approximately 3.15 million EUR. This follows a similar measure for train travel, which is expected to cost around 2.8 million EUR and has already seen significant passenger engagement.

Separately, discussions regarding transport accessibility for people with disabilities highlight ongoing challenges in Lithuania. Despite an increase in buses equipped with lifts, many individuals with disabilities still face significant barriers, such as inaccessible sidewalks and stations, which often prevent them from utilizing available transport services.