Lithuania and Europe: Public Transport Accessibility for Disabled Still Limited by City Infrastructure

European Union member states face a December 2025 deadline to fully implement the European Accessibility Act, a directive designed to enhance access to various services, including bus transport. However, the European Disability Forum highlights persistent challenges, stating that using public transport often restricts the freedom of people with disabilities to travel as and when they wish.

National accessibility levels vary considerably. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport, approximately 34% of local and regional transport vehicles were adapted for people with disabilities by the end of 2025. For those with mobility impairments, 61% of the local and regional fleet was accessible. The situation for long-distance travel is more complex, with only about 22% of long-distance buses adapted for people with disabilities, and 34% accessible for those with mobility impairments, based on data from the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration in June 2026.

Legal regulations were updated in November 2022, requiring all new public transport vehicles registered in Lithuania to be accessible. In Kaunas, company "Kauno autobusai" reports that all its buses and trolleybuses are fully equipped for people with mobility and visual impairments. These vehicles feature low floors, designated spaces for wheelchairs, access ramps, and call buttons for assistance. For visually impaired passengers, a mobile application called "Transporto balsas" provides real-time audio announcements about arriving vehicles, routes, and schedules.

Across Europe, the issue often extends beyond just modernizing fleets. Spain, for instance, has regulations for transport accessibility, and cities like Madrid and Barcelona boast technically adapted bus fleets. Yet, accessibility remains uneven throughout the country. Representatives for people with disabilities point to systemic problems, as reported by Spanish journalist Ana Somavilla, suggesting that infrastructure and urban planning often create barriers that modern vehicles alone cannot overcome.