Vilniaus viešasis transportas (VVT) has launched a public procurement for 145 new electric buses.
The purchase will include four different sizes of low-floor electric buses.
This initiative is part of Vilnius City Municipality’s Sustainable Mobility Plan, which aims to transition all public transport vehicles to electricity or alternative fuels by 2030.
Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius said:Vilnius' public transport is rapidly modernising - new electric buses will allow the city to move more sustainably and efficiently. Lower pollution, quieter trips and higher quality of comfort - these are the changes that Vilnius residents expect. Investments in this area are a clear direction for us to achieve a cleaner and more innovative city.
Alongside fleet renewal, Vilnius’ public transport route network will be expanded. Seven new routes are planned, 44 routes will see increased frequency, and 46 routes will be adjusted. In the city centre, public transport is planned to run every 6–10 minutes, with intervals of up to 15 minutes in outer areas. The total number of vehicles is set to increase by 30%, with all meeting higher environmental and comfort standards.
Funding for the new buses has been partially secured since last year. The new vehicles will replace the oldest diesel-powered buses.
The tender specifies the purchase of four different bus types:
- 8m low-capacity low-floor buses
- 10m medium-capacity low-floor buses
- 12m single-decker, two-axle low-floor buses
- 18m single-decker, three-axle articulated buses
Additionally, the procurement includes mandatory maintenance services, non-warranty repairs, and the supply of spare parts and materials.
The bus fleet upgrade will take place gradually, depending on available funding. The total cost of the 145 electric buses is expected to be no more than 89.05 million EUR (excluding VAT), with service costs bringing the total to 97.23 million EUR.
The contract with the selected suppliers is expected to be signed in the third quarter of 2025, with the new zero-emission buses entering service between 2026 and 2027.
Trolleybus Fleet Modernisation
Vilnius is also continuing its trolleybus fleet renewal. The last of 91 new Škoda trolleybuses has been delivered to the VVT depot in Viršuliškės, completing the latest phase of upgrades.
Currently, 75 of these new trolleybuses are in operation, with the remaining 16 expected to enter service soon after the installation of passenger information and safety systems and the completion of registration.
With the integration of all 91 new trolleybuses, the first phase of the trolleybus renewal programme will be complete. However, a second phase has already begun, with plans to acquire an additional 73 new trolleybuses.
