Vilnius Council Rejects Proposal for Free Public Transport Trial

Vilnius City Council has decided against implementing free public transport for a trial period. A proposal had suggested that residents could travel for free on city buses and ferries from September 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. The initiative aimed to boost public transport usage and address the economic pressures of inflation.

Council members debated the proposal, which would have required amending the current regulations on passenger fares. Proponents argued that improved public transport quality and the vision of encouraging more citizens to use it, combined with the effects of inflation and urban congestion, warranted a temporary free travel period. They suggested evaluating the results after January 1, 2027, to consider a permanent free transport system.

However, the council members ultimately did not support the proposal. Consequently, the existing system for passenger transport and ticket pricing will remain unchanged. The council's decision means the planned trial of free public transport will not proceed.

Currently, Vilnius offers free public transport only on specific occasions. These include national holidays like State Day (July 6), the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania (February 16), and the Day of Restoration of Lithuania's Independence (March 11). Additionally, free travel is provided on International Car-Free Day (September 22), during the Vilnius Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and on New Year's Eve and Day.

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Evaluating things like the statements of the ruling party, that the quality of our (public transport) has improved, the declared vision that citizens should use public transport more often, and the effects of inflation and the burden on the city, we propose to allow Vilnius residents to travel for free until January 1st, and after evaluating the results, perhaps it would be possible to return to permanent free public transport next year.