- Vilnius Metro
Vilnius Metro (Lithuanian: "Vilniaus metropolitenas") is a proposedBy whom
rapid transit system in theLithuania n capitalVilnius . Three lines are currently proposed to connect the busiest and most populous city districts. [cite web|title=Vilnius is Becoming a Bridge Between Eastern and Western Europe|publisher=Vilnius city municipality |url=http://www.vilnius.lt/newvilniusweb/index.php/116/?itemID=34902|date=2002|accessdate=2008-10-04|quote=A new and modern means of transportation to be introduced into Vilnius City in the near future is considered now. That is the fast tramway, the routes of which shall connect the main city districts with the centre and workplaces.] [lt icon cite web|title=Metro šalininkai siūlo Vilniui tris linijas ir tiltą|publisher=delfi.lt |url=http://www.delfi.lt/archive/article.php?id=13628217|date=2007|accessdate=2008-10-04] Its purpose is the relief oftraffic congestion , which has increased significantly in the 1990s and 2000s. [lt icon cite web|title=Tramvajus ar metropolitenas Vilniaus urbanistinėje struktū roje|publisher=Gediminas Technical University |url=http://www.tpa.vgtu.lt/upload/urban_zur/59-70_juskevicius%20et%20al_tramvajus%202008-32-2.pdf|date=2008|accessdate=2008-10-04] [cite web|title=Riga and Vilnius tackle traffic|publisher=The Baltic Times |url=http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/19007/|date=2007|accessdate=2008-10-04] In 2001 MayorArturas Zuokas requested international support for a feasibility study of the proposed system. The proposal was approved as part of the city's master plan by the Vilnius Municipal Council in 2002.cite web|title=Seminar: Planning for Sustainable Transport|publisher=Association for European Transport|url=http://www.aetransport.org/lc_files/files/planning_for_sustainable_transport.pdf|date=|accessdate=2008-10-04|quote=In September 2001, Systra has been chosen to assist the Municipality in defining a LRTscheme and design the technical characteristics of the first line.]Systra was chosen by the city as a study partner; theScott Wilson Group conducted a public-private financing feasibility study during 2005 and 2006. [cite web|title=Preparation of feasibility study for Vilnius Tram Project financing by the private sector, Lithuania|publisher=Scott Wilson Group |url=http://www.scottwilson.com/projects/transportation/railways/lithuania_vilnius_tram.aspx|accessdate=2008-10-05] [cite web|title=Outline of the ‘Vilnius Tram Project’|publisher=UNESCO |url=http://www.unesco.lt/documents/Paveldas/outline%20of%20vilnius%20tram%20project.pdf|date=2006|accessdate=2008-10-06]As of 2007, the project was the subject of intense debate by politicians and citizens. The concerns include cost (an estimated 3 billion
litas ), the possibility that vibrations would damage the historic buildings inVilnius Old Town , and the perception that streets would be closed. [cite web|title=A tram ride into the future|publisher=The Baltic Times |url=http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/17340/|date=2007|accessdate=2008-10-05]Proposed lines
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Pašilaičiai –Vilnius International Airport
#Viršuliškės –Vilnius Cathedral
#Justiniškės –Jeruzalė References
Links
* [http://www.vilniausmetro.lt Vilnius Metro project] - a non-governmental organization that is popularizing the idea of a metro in Vilnius
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