In Two Years – Over 24,000 Passengers in Lazdijai District Benefited from "Lazdijai Veža" Services
An innovative project “Lazdijai Veža” (“Lazdijai Drives”) implemented in the Lazdijai district provided free ride-sharing services to more than 24,000 residents over a two-year period. During this time, electric minibuses traveled more than 337,000 kilometers, avoiding any CO₂ emissions. In light of the project’s success, the Ministry of Environment is preparing a Social Climate Fund Plan aimed at expanding such initiatives. Municipalities that wish to replicate the “Lazdijai Veža” model will be able to receive support from the Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA).
24,000 passengers transported, 337,500 kilometers driven, and zero CO₂ emissions – these are the results of the “Lazdijai Veža” project implemented over two years. The project has set an example for other municipalities on how to ensure sustainable and accessible mobility even in the most remote areas.
As part of the LIFE Integrated Project “Increasing Energy Efficiency in Lithuania” (LIFE IP EnerLIT), “Lazdijai Veža” promoted sustainable mobility practices by offering residents free access to electric public transportation. According to data provided by the Lazdijai District Municipality Administration, an average of 15 people travel daily in a single electric minibus. With three buses operating in the district, approximately 45 passengers use the service daily, 225 per week, and 11,250 annually. The service is most frequently used by elderly residents traveling to medical institutions, markets, employment offices, or cemeteries. For many of them, especially those living in remote areas, this service is often the only viable means of independently reaching essential services.
Aušra Šmitienė, head of the LIFE IP EnerLIT project group “Increasing Energy Efficiency in Lithuania,” notes that this model could help solve patient transportation issues:
“The initial goal was to avoid wasting fuel by running buses only when needed and with minimal energy use. However, in practice, this approach also meets social needs and helps transport residents to healthcare facilities.”
The free ride-sharing service operates within a 35 km radius of the Lazdijai district. The service is available daily and covers routes in the areas of Šeštokai, Kapčiamiestis, Seirijai, and Lazdijai. The booking system is simple and user-friendly – residents can reserve door-to-door transportation in advance by phone or using a mobile app, selecting their desired time and route. Electric minibuses operate regularly on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Towards Climate Neutrality
From the outset, the “Lazdijai Veža” project has been focused on environmentally friendly solutions. Funded by the EU LIFE program and the Lithuanian state budget, three eight-seater “Toyota Proace Verso Electric” minibuses were purchased. To ensure convenient charging, 44 kW fast-charging stations were installed in the towns of Seirijai and Veisiejai, accessible to both locals and visitors.
Between March 7, 2023, and December 31, 2024, these electric vehicles traveled a total of 337,500 kilometers, consuming 90,787.5 kWh of electricity. During these trips, no carbon dioxide was emitted – a stark contrast to conventional diesel buses. For example, an M3 category bus consumes about 22.5 liters of diesel (223.65 kWh) per 100 km and emits around 49.9 kg of CO₂. Meanwhile, a “Toyota Proace Verso Electric” consumes just 26.9 kWh per 100 km and emits zero CO₂. This means that replacing a diesel bus with this electric model can save up to 196.75 kWh of energy per 100 km.
“We are proud that Lazdijai has become a model of how to address mobility issues in a modern and responsible way,” said Ausma Miškinienė, Mayor of Lazdijai District Municipality. “I encourage other municipalities to boldly replicate the ‘Lazdijai Veža’ model.”
Scaling Up Sustainable Solutions
Given the successful implementation of the “Lazdijai Veža” project and the growing demand for ride-sharing services in the regions, it is essential to find systemic solutions that enable such initiatives to be expanded in other municipalities. According to Vakaris Atkočiūnas, economic analyst at the Climate Policy Group of the Ministry of Environment, a draft Social Climate Plan is currently being prepared and will soon be submitted for inter-institutional coordination and public consultation. The plan will outline measures proposed for funding from the Social Climate Fund, aimed at ensuring a socially just transition to a climate-neutral economy. Measures such as regional ride-sharing, public transport expansion, and sustainable mobility infrastructure align with the fund’s objectives and could be financed based on the success of “Lazdijai Veža.”
For municipalities seeking to replicate the “Lazdijai Veža” model, the Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA) reminds that support is available:
€5,000 per new electric vehicle,
€2,500 per used electric vehicle.
Applications must be submitted through the Environmental Project Management Information System (APVIS): https://apvis.apva.lt