The city of Vilnius launched its first electric passenger boat on the Neris River near Žvėrynas on Monday, marking the debut of a new form of public transportation. The second vessel is expected to arrive soon, with passenger services set to begin by the end of July.
The electric boats are part of a broader initiative by the municipal company Vilniaus viešasis transportas (Vilnius Public Transport), which has purchased four vessels to operate on the river. Each boat cost €450,000.
Tickets for a ride will cost €3 if purchased in advance or €4 on board. Discounts of up to 80% – reducing the fare to €0.60 – will apply to students, schoolchildren, seniors over 80, and others qualifying under Lithuanian law.
Single-use tickets will be valid for 90 minutes. Passengers can transfer to buses or trolleybuses during that time without purchasing a new ticket. Tickets can be bought via a mobile app or the JUDU self-service platform.
Regular service is scheduled to begin on July 26, with the initial route running from King Mindaugas Bridge to the “Business Triangle” area near Jasinskio Street. The first phase will include five stops, and the full journey is expected to take 45 to 55 minutes, depending on river current conditions.
Each vessel will accommodate 32 passengers and will be operated by a two-person crew: a captain and a deckhand. The boats are accessible for people with disabilities and equipped to carry bicycles. For colder or rainy days, indoor seating and a climate control system will be available.
The boats were built by Latvian manufacturer SIA, BIC Group, which won the public procurement tender. The total value of the contract for four electric boats and their servicing is €1.85 million. The city plans to expand the fleet by purchasing an additional four boats in the future.
The duration of the navigation season on the Neris will depend on river conditions, officials said.
