Lithuania. UAB Kauno Autobusai
| Date of agreement: | 12 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|
| Country: | Lithuania |
| Customer: | UAB Kauno Autobusai |
| Amount in EUR: | EUR 17.5 million |
| NACE sector / loan type: | Land transport |
Financing from NIB Environmental Bond proceeds
NEB-eligible share: 100%
NEB category: Clean transport solutions
Amount disbursed: EUR 17.5 million
Note: For loans in other currencies than EUR, the equivalent in EUR is based on the exchange rate effective for the disbursement. Read more about the NIB Environmental Bonds
Project
The loan has been granted to finance the purchase of 85 new low-floor electric trolleybuses for public transportation in Kaunas, Lithuania.
The new vehicles will replace 92 old trolleybuses that are currently in use.
The fleet renewal will help to reduce maintenance costs and will increase the comfort of passengers. The new trolleybuses will have a more efficient traction system and better climate control, resulting in a substantially improved public service.
UAB Kauno Autobusai is a municipally owned public transport provider in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city of around 300,000 inhabitants. The company operates a fleet of 154 trolleybuses and 270 buses, carrying approximately 80 million passengers annually.
Fulfilment of NIB's mandate
Productivity:
The new trolleybuses will provide a substantial public service improvement.
The current trolleybuses are over 30 years old. They have limited climate control, high noise levels, and are physically run-down in general.
The low floor will allow easier boarding, especially for people with baby strollers or persons with impaired mobility. It is expected that each trolleybus will spend less time at the stops, resulting in time savings for the passengers once the timetables are adjusted.
Expected impacts related to the investment:
- Time savings in current routes
- Cost savings related to electricity consumption and maintenance works
- Decreased number of breakdowns
Environment:
The investments in new fully electrified trolleybuses will result in a better working public transportation system.
The vehicles will have a more efficient traction system. However, due to the higher energy consumption related to better air conditioning, LED information displays and heating installations, the overall use of energy per vehicle is estimated to remain similar to the current levels.
Sustainability summary
The project does not require environmental impact assessment or environmental permits. No significant negative environmental or social impacts are anticipated.
