Kaunas to Forego Night Buses Due to Low Ridership

Regular night bus services will not be reintroduced in Kaunas, Lithuania, in the near future, as the city's municipality cited historically low passenger traffic as the primary reason for their previous cancellation.

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The operation of night routes 13N, 14N, and 37N was terminated due to extremely low passenger numbers. Observations showed that an average of only 6-8 passengers were transported during one night trip, making the operation of such routes inefficient.

According to Algirdas Griauslys, deputy head of the Transport and Traffic Organization Department at the Kaunas City Municipality, the night bus routes 13N, 14N, and 37N were discontinued after observations showed an average of only 6 to 8 passengers per trip. This low ridership made the operation of these routes inefficient.

"The operation of night routes 13N, 14N, and 37N was terminated due to extremely low passenger numbers," Griauslys stated. "Observations showed that an average of only 6-8 passengers were transported during one night trip, making the operation of such routes inefficient."

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If needed, additional night services are organized on specific dates for certain night events, for example, for 'Night Basketball' events.

While regular night bus services are not on the agenda, the municipality indicated that special, additional night services could be organized for specific large-scale events. For example, extra services might be provided for events like "Night Basketball" or to transport attendees from major venues such as the Žalgiris Arena and Darius and Girėnas Stadium after events conclude. The decision to not reinstate regular night services is based on passenger flow, service efficiency, and the rational use of public funds.

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Decisions on organizing public transport are made considering passenger flows, service efficiency, and the rational use of public funds. Currently, there are no plans to organize regular public transport at night, but we continue to evaluate residents' needs and the performance indicators of the transport system.