Lithuania plans free public transport for conscripts and volunteer soldiers

Lithuania’s Transport Ministry plans to propose legal changes allowing conscripts and volunteer soldiers to travel free on public transport, LRT reported. The proposal followed concerns raised by the mother of a young soldier about the cost of travelling home at weekends.

Her son is serving in Klaipėda and travels to Jonava on weekends. The journeys cost him about 40 euros each weekend, his mother wrote to LRT, or around 160 euros a month if he goes home four times. She said the expense takes a substantial share of his monthly military allowance. He had enrolled in university before starting service but postponed his studies and cannot use the student travel discount.

At present, train and intercity bus tickets are discounted by 50 percent because of rising fuel prices. The discount is temporary and is due to remain in force only until the end of the year.

Transport Minister Juras Taminskas will consult government colleagues and initiate amendments to the Law on Transport Concessions, the ministry told LRT. The ministry said Taminskas believes military service should not become a financial burden for young people who travel home to see their families.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the opposition Conservatives and a former defence minister, backed the proposal. He said transport concessions could help motivate young people to serve and that the government should consider a broader package of incentives if it moves towards universal conscription.

LRT said it had also requested comment from the Defence Ministry and would update its report when it receives a response.