| Vilnius Metro | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Overview | |||
| Locale | Vilnius, Lithuania | ||
| Transit type | Rapid transit | ||
| Number of lines | 3 | ||
| |||
Vilnius Metro (Lithuanian : Vilniaus metropolitenas) is a proposed rapid transit system in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Three lines have been proposed to connect the most bustling and densest city districts together. [1] [2] Its purpose is to address the notable decline of public transit usage's modal share and to relief significantly increased traffic congestion on the existing road infrastructure. [3] [4]
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Although test drilling for a proposed Vilnius Metro had been conducted along a 50 metre stretch of Gediminas Avenue near the city's main railway station during the Soviet era, [5] the current proposal dates to 2001 then-Mayor Artūras Zuokas request for international feasibility study. The proposal was approved as part of the city's master plan by the Vilnius Municipal Council in 2002. [6] Systra was chosen by the city as a study partner; the Scott Wilson Group conducted a public-private financing feasibility study during 2005 and 2006. [7] [8]
As of 2007, the project was the subject of intense debate by politicians and citizens. The concerns include cost (an estimated €890,000,000 (equivalent to €1,223,250,000in 2021), the possibility that vibrations would damage the historic buildings in Vilnius Old Town, and the closures of streets during construction. [9] The project was accepted by the Lithuanian government on a concession basis in 2014, [10] but the Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaitė placed a veto on the law. [11]
In 2018 the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania enacted a new act of metro development that went into effect on 1 January 2020. [12] This act allows private investors to start construction of metro transit systems in Lithuania. The projects would have to be implemented by municipalities, which would be able to buy up to 50 per cent of shares of the construction companies. The projects would be developed in partnership or concession of the state and private companies. [13]
