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Trolleybuses in Vilnius

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Trolleybuses in Vilnius
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The Vilnius trolleybus system is the one of two existing trolleybus systems in Lithuania. It is operated by the municipal operator company Vilniaus viešasis transportas in the capital city of Vilnius. Up to 177 trolleybuses run on weekdays, 102 - on weekends.[1]

Quick Facts Vilnius trolleybus system, Operation ...
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History

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In October 1956, the Vilnius Trolleybus Board was established and a 7.8 km long contact network was built, together with a trolleybus depot in the suburb of Antakalnis for 25 trolleybuses. In November 1956, the first MTB-82D trolleybuses started service on the route from Antakalnis to the Railway station.

In the 1960s and 70s, Škoda 8Tr, and later - 9Tr trolleybuses replaced the old stock, with constant expansion of the network increasing the route count to 18.

In 1981, the trolleybus count doubled the maximum service power of the old trolleybus park, thus encouraging the construction of the second depot. It was ultimately opened on 28 December 1985, in the neighborhood of Viršuliškės and it could maintain 150 trolleybuses. At a similar time, new Škoda 14Tr trolleybuses were also introduced.

In April 1993, the board was reorganized to Vilniaus Autobusai, with the owner of the new company being the Vilnius city municipality. From the treasury of the municipality, even more new Škoda trolleybuses were bought in 1996–1999.

From 2004 to 2006, 45 new Polish trolleybuses Solaris Trollino 15AC were purchased, replacing the last of the Škoda 9Tr stock, and introducing low-floor trolleybuses to Vilnius.

On 4 November 2011, the company was again reorganized and incorporated into UAB Vilniaus Viešasis Transportas.[2]

In 2012, two new MAZ-ETON Amber 203T Vilnis 12AC trolleybuses, constructed with a MAZ-ETON chassis and a custom body in Lithuania, were bought by the company.[3]

As part of major public transport reforms, on 1 July 2013, four of the least profitable routes were closed down, along with the dismantling of 700 meters of the overhead lines on Naugarduko street.[4]

In 2018 and 2019, 41 Solaris Trollino 12 trolleybuses were delivered.[5]

In 2023 and 2024, 91 Škoda 32Tr SOR trolleybuses were bought. These vehicles are set to replace the aging Škoda 14Tr, as some units date back to 1986. The new vehicles contain onboard traction batteries, which allow travel for up to 20 km without the overhead catenary, and are made use of during roadworks or diversions due to city events. The municipality has also confirmed plans to organise a tender for 73 new articulated trolleybuses in 2025, which will replace the last of the 14Trs.[6][7]

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Vehicles

Currently operated

Formerly operated

  • MTB-82D[14] – 63 units, 1956-?
  • Škoda 8Tr[15] – 15 units, 1960-?
  • Škoda 9Tr[16] – 313 units, 1967-2006
  • Gräf & Stift GE110[17][18] – 2 units, 1992-1999
  • Jelcz PNTKM[19] – 1 unit, 1998-2011
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Routes

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See also

References

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