Lithuania, Markets and Companies, Society, Transport

They are working in the public transportation system in Vilnius who are in charge of oversight of those who use the system, have turned their energy in these cold days to helping those riding public transportation to stay warm. They are distributing free hot tea to all passengers. Controllers are prepared to distribute thousands of cups of the warming tea in the coming cold days, informs LETA/ELTA.

Mayor of Vilnius Arturas Zuokas, who initiated the novel idea, says that, "During these extremely cold days, the controllers will be there to offer every single rider a small bit of warmth to weather the cold which is felt by all. May the cup of hot tea be a small piece of warmth during their ride to the next point in time".

The City of Vilnius has appealed to all of the people of Vilnius to take care not only for themselves for those whom they see in possible jeopardy. City social services will be working overtime to take care of all of those who need shelter from the extreme cold. Charities who operate shelters have also been asked to expand their services.

Overnight shelters will be open around the clock to all of those who need a warm place to stay during the coming extremely cold days.

During the cold season, overnight shelters in Vilnius will be open to anyone coming in from the cold 24 hours a day. Social Welfare Buses that make regular rounds will be making extra rounds in the city to bring people to shelters.

The City of Vilnius will also be contributing extra food to soup kitchens and other social service centers to help the people of Vilnius get through the current crisis.

As reported, first two trolleybuses assembled in Vilnius have recently begun shuttling in the city.

The low-floor trolleybuses Amber Vilnis 12 AC have surveillance cameras, entering and leaving passengers' counting system. The new vehicles are very manoeuvrable – they can ride about 1,000 meters without electricity.

Parts for the trolleybuses arrive from four countries – Belarus, Czech Republic, Germany and Poland. It takes up to 15 days to assemble a vehicle. The cost of one trolleybus is about 200.000 Euros, which is 30-60% cheaper than the ones bought from other manufacturers.