LTG Link, officially UAB LTG Link is the passenger transport division of the Lithuanian state-owned railway company, LTG Group (Lithuanian Railways). LTG Link operates domestic and international passenger services across Lithuania and on routes to Poland, Latvia, and beyond. The term "Link" in the name carries a dual meaning: in English, it means "Connection", while in Lithuanian, it means "Towards".[1]
 | |
 | |
| LTG Link | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | Lietuvos geležinkeliai |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Vilnius, Lithuania |
Area served | Lithuania, Poland, Latvia |
| Services | Passenger train services |
| Owner | Ministry of Transport and Communications (100%) |
| Parent | LTG Group |
| Website | www.ltglink.lt |
History
editLTG Link was established in 2019 to be a separate division within Lietuvos Geležinkeliai to manage passenger transport independently, aligning with European Union regulations requiring separation of passenger and freight operations. This reorganisation, which took place in 2020, created three LTG subsidiaries: LTG Link for passenger services, LTG Cargo for freight, and LTG Infra for infrastructure management. The restructuring aimed to streamline operations, with LTG Link receiving subsidies from the Lithuanian government to support public transport objectives.[2]
In 2020, LTG rebranded, introducing a new logo featuring an arrow symbolising movement and connectivity. The changes were introduced under LTG CEO Mantas Bartuška, who stated that LTG Link’s mission is to modernise and expand Lithuania’s passenger rail services to meet growing national and international demand.[2]
Services
editLTG Link provides regular regional and long-distance passenger services within Lithuania and operates on selected international routes. Key international services include connections to Latvia, including the route to Riga, and planned future services to Poland. LTG Link’s expansion also includes plans for cross-border services between Vilnius and Warsaw with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets, aiming for a journey time of approximately eight hours.[2]
In 2022, LTG Link integrated its scheduling and ticketing system with Google Maps, allowing easier access to train schedules and tickets. LTG Link’s objective is to expand its route network and improve passenger experience through digital and infrastructure improvements.[3]
Main lines
edit- Vilnius—Kaunas, 104 km (65 mi), first built in 1862, electrified in 1975. The fastest train takes 69 minutes
- Vilnius—Klaipėda, 376 km (234 mi), part of the line first built in 1870, electrification currently in progress.[4]
International lines:
- Vilnius—Riga, 348 km (216 mi), available since late 2023 and takes 4 hours 15 minutes.[5]
- Vilnius—Warsaw—Krakow, available since late 2022. Indirect route due to change of gauge at Polish border, transfer from LTG Link train to PKP Intercity at Mockava. Vilnius—Warsaw travel time around 9 hours.[6]
Vilnius—Riga—Tallinn passenger train route is technically possible, but currently not practical due to limited speeds and long travel times.[7] These routes will start following the completion of the Rail Baltica project.[7]
Rolling Stock
editLTG Link’s fleet includes a variety of locomotives, diesel multiple units (DMUs), electric multiple units (EMUs), and passenger carriages. The company operates both modern and legacy rolling stock, with upgrades in progress.
| Type | Model | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locomotive | TEP70 | Various | Used primarily for long-distance services. |
| Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) | Pesa 730M | 28 | Used for regional services. |
| Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) | Škoda EJ 575 | 14 | Primarily used on electrified routes. |
| Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) | ER9 | 13 | Serves electrified routes. |
| Railcar | Pesa 620M | 13 | Used on non-electrified lines. |
| Railcar | Pesa 630M | Various | Serves non-electrified routes. |
| Passenger Carriage | Various | 23 | Used for long-distance services. |
In 2023 LTG Link also ordered 15 Stadler FLIRT trains as part of its fleet expansion, which are intended to be used on regional and international routes once delivered.[8]
Electrification and Modernisation
editLTG Group is pursuing the electrification of LTG Link's main passenger routes, particularly the Vilnius–Klaipeda corridor, which handles a significant portion of Lithuania’s passenger rail traffic. In 2019, LTG Infra awarded a €363.1 million contract to electrify 354 km of its network, increasing the electrified network share from 7% to 40% by 2023.[9] This project includes both the 34 km Vilnius bypass and the 320 km Klaipeda–Kaišiadorys main line, and supports Lithuania’s climate strategy by reducing the reliance on diesel-powered trains.[2]
Following the electrification, LTG Link intends to introduce new electric passenger trains on the core network, moving existing diesel trains to regional routes. The company has engaged in discussions with train manufacturers as part of its fleet upgrade, including considerations for battery-electric trains for non-electrified routes.
Future Plans
editLTG Link’s strategic goals focus on expanding route coverage, improving service frequency, and enhancing passenger convenience. As part of a long-term plan, LTG Link aims to:[2]
- Introduce new high-speed connections, particularly along international routes to Poland.
- Implement smart ticketing systems to streamline the passenger experience.
- Upgrade existing stations and expand Wi-Fi coverage to improve connectivity on board.
- Expand the fleet with new, modern Stadler trains, enhancing service on international and regional routes.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "LOK Report - Litauen: Die Litauische Eisenbahn ändert ihren Namen, LG wird LTG". www.lok-report.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ^ a b c d e Burroughs, David. "New structure boosts Lithuanian Railways' competitiveness". International Railway Journal.
- ^ a b Distribusion. "Distribusion partners with LTG Link to integrate train scheduling".
- ^ "Trumpės kelionė iš Vilniaus į Klaipėdą". TV3.lt (in Lithuanian). 6 January 2019. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ "Vilnius-Riga train – what you need to know". LRT. 20 November 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Lithuania to launch train service to Poland". lrt.lt. 2022-11-25. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ a b "Taliną traukiniu iš Vilniaus būtų galima pasiekti ir iki nutiesiant "Rail Balticą", bet reikia susitarti". LRT (in Lithuanian). 23 September 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
- ^ Nilson, Peter (2023-06-22). "Stadler to roll out FLIRT in Lithuania". Railway Technology. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ^ Railway Gazette. "Lithuanian Railways awards electrification contract".