Liepāja has officially launched its new fleet of electric buses, marking a shift toward a modern, zero-emission public transit network. As of last week, five small-capacity electric vehicles began operating on city routes, with plans to expand the fleet to 25 buses within the coming months, according to Toms Malkevičs, deputy director of the Liepāja municipal agency Liepājas Sabiedriskais transports.
Infrastructure and Fleet Expansion
The introduction of these vehicles is part of a ten-year service contract awarded to the carrier PS “Pilsētas pārvadājumi.” While the current fleet consists of five units, the city expects the number of zero-emission buses to grow significantly, eventually including large M3I-class buses with 76 passenger seats. Once fully implemented, this will represent the largest proportion of zero-emission buses in any municipal public transport system in Latvia.
The city selected Mercedes-Benz electric minibuses for their reliability, passenger comfort, and reduced operating costs. These vehicles are the only public transport units capable of crossing the Oskara Kalpaka swing bridge in Karosta. Each bus is equipped with climate control, passenger information systems, and full accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility and those traveling with strollers.
Operational Changes and Ticketing
The transition to the new carrier coincides with a restructured bus route network. While officials indicate that daily travel patterns for most passengers will remain largely unchanged, the ticketing system is undergoing a transition. Starting July 31, the city is replacing single-trip tickets with time-based tickets, and the 10-trip ticket sets will be replaced by 10-time-ticket sets.
According to Liepājas Sabiedriskais transports, the 40-minute duration assigned to the new time tickets is not a limit on total travel time. Instead, it represents the window in which a passenger must register their next journey if transferring. Passengers may continue their trip to their final destination even if the total travel time exceeds 40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who funded the purchase of the new electric buses?
The buses were financed by the carrier, PS “Pilsētas pārvadājumi,” which won an open municipal competition to provide public transport services for the next ten years.
Will the 40-minute ticket restrict how long I can be on a bus?
No. The 40-minute period refers to the time frame in which a passenger must register a transfer; the actual journey can continue beyond 40 minutes.
How many electric buses will be in operation?
There are currently five buses in operation, with plans to increase this number to 25 over the next few months.
How will these infrastructure changes impact your daily commute in Liepāja?