Vilnius expands public transport fleet and tests extra-long electric bus

Vilnius is implementing significant changes to its public transport system to accommodate rising passenger demand. Starting September 1, the city will transition to an autumn schedule, deploying 633 buses and trolleybuses. This represents an 18 percent increase in vehicles compared to the summer season, with an additional 46 buses and 49 trolleybuses being added to the streets to manage the influx of students and commuters.

In preparation for future capacity needs, Vilnius public transport (VVT) is also testing a 24.8-meter long Solaris Urbino 24 electric demonstration bus. The testing phase evaluates the vehicle's maneuverability in city streets, its ability to fit into existing stops, and its performance at intersections. The electric bus features a 704 kWh battery, a range of approximately 260 km, and a capacity for up to 183 passengers. VVT will assess the feasibility of purchasing such high-capacity vehicles for the 2030–2035 network planning period.