LTG Group passenger transport company, LTG Link, has announced that Stadler’s new Flirt trains will officially enter service on the Vilnius–Kaunas–Vilnius and Vilnius–Trakai–Vilnius routes on 22 October.
The launch of the trains, which will gradually be introduced on other planned routes, marks a key milestone in a significant project to modernise the LTG Link train fleet.
Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas, said:After many years, the passenger train fleet is finally undergoing a major renewal. This is one of the most significant changes in the history of the railways since independence, and passengers will be the first to feel the benefits.
The new trains mean a completely new level of travel quality—far greater comfort, convenience, and modernity. We want people to board the train knowing that a comfortable and pleasant journey awaits them.
Thus far, the company has acquired 15 new trains from Stadler, 9 of which are electric and 6 are battery-powered, allowing for operation on non-electrified railway sections.
Initial trips with the new trains are expected to be longer than usual due to repairs being carried out on the overhead contact system at the time, which will also see the trains temporarily operate on the Vilnius–Trakai–Vilnius route.
As these new units are gradually introduced, electric trains will begin operating on the Vilnius–Klaipėda–Vilnius route in the second half of the autumn, with current plans set to see the majority of trains on the route transition to new Stadler rolling stock by the end of the year.
All operation of the battery-powered rolling stock is currently scheduled to begin in December on the Kaunas–Šiauliai–Kaunas and Radviliškis–Klaipėda–Radviliškis routes, and in the second half of December, the Vilnius–Varėna–(Marcinkonys)–Vilnius route.
Elsewhere, LTG Link has announced that services on the Vilnius–Turmantas–Vilnius route will soon be carried out using newer and more modern PESA 630 and PESA 730-type trains as they are slowly replaced on the Vilnius–Klaipėda–Vilnius route.
