Lithuania will reduce train ticket prices by 50% on all domestic routes from April 1 to May 31, amid rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The measure was announced by the railway company LTG Link and authorities in Vilnius, who say the discount will apply to all domestic trips and all classes of service.
The discount can be combined with other benefits
According to Lithuanian authorities, the 50% discount can also be combined with other existing discounts, including those offered to students and seniors.
Tickets will automatically be sold at the lowest available fare if multiple discounts apply to the same trip.
The government aims to alleviate the pressure of rising fuel prices
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene stated that the measure is part of a broader government response to rising fuel prices, following the authorities’ earlier decision to release part of the fuel reserve and their agreement with the European Commission on a temporary reduction in the diesel excise tax.
According to the prime minister, the government is seeking solutions that will quickly reduce the population’s daily expenses and, at the same time, encourage the use of public transportation.
For his part, Transport Minister Juras Taminskas stated that the goal is to provide young families and seniors with a more affordable travel option.
EUR 1.5 million from the budget and an estimated 200,000 additional passengers
According to official estimates, the measure will cost the state budget approximately EUR 1.5 million.
At the same time, authorities expect the number of passengers to increase by approximately 200,000 during the two months the discount is in effect, bringing the total to about 1.2 million passengers.
LTG Link warns that tickets could sell out on busy routes
The CEO of LTG Link, Kristina Meide, stated that the operator is considering the possibility of introducing additional railcars to meet the increased demand.
However, she warned that on popular routes, especially on weekends and during holidays, tickets could sell out quickly, which is why passengers are advised to book their seats in advance.
Lithuania is also preparing new trains
In the longer term, Lithuanian authorities are also counting on the modernization of the LTG Link fleet to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
According to information presented by the government, the company will receive 15 new trains this fall — nine electric and six battery-powered.
To date, six new multiple units have already been delivered to Lithuania and are currently undergoing testing.
Last year, LTG Link carried 5.9 million passengers on domestic and international routes, including commuters who use the train for their daily commute.
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