The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) have pledged €80 million to advance the development of greener public transport in Vilnius, Lithuania. This funding will help Vilniaus Viešasis Transportas (VVT) acquire up to 73 electric trolleybuses and 85 battery buses. Consequently, VVT will expand its modern electric fleet, improving the quality and accessibility of public transport services throughout the city.
The €80 million investment will allow VVT to replace its aging diesel fleet with eco-friendly vehicles. The 2025 trolleybuses will feature reduced noise, climate control, and low floors, improving accessibility for passengers with mobility restrictions. This initiative supports VVT’s fleet renewal strategy, enhancing efficiency, comfort, and safety for Vilnius residents and visitors by 2026.
VVT expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tons of CO2 annually, supporting Vilnius’s broader sustainability goals. By 2030, it plans to replace diesel buses with electric and hydrogen buses, aiming for zero CO2 emissions.
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Strengthening Vilnius’ Green Initiatives
This co-investment supports Vilnius’ Green City Action Plan, the city’s first EBRD Green City in the Baltics.
Sue Barrett, EBRD’s Head of EMEA Infrastructure said, “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with the city of Vilnius, the first EBRD Green City in the Baltic States, as it leads the way in sustainable urban development.”
She added, “This is our second investment with VVT, and it plays a key role in helping the city achieve the climate and sustainability goals outlined in its Green City Action Plan. By expanding its green public transport network, the city will reduce emissions and create a cleaner, more liveable urban environment for its residents.”
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VVT intends to retire diesel buses by 2030, replacing them with electric and hydrogen buses powered entirely by renewable energy. This initiative supports the city’s goal of building a sustainable, low-emission future.