Stuck in a Soviet Bloc bathroom! And amazing trolley buses of Kaunas
We have the pleasure of being in Kaunas, Lithuania this week for World Pentathlon Executive Board meetings, and a World Championship.
Sure, it takes a while to get here from New Zealand - over two days in fact - but it is an amazing city and part of the world.
While there is much people can say about the Soviet Bloc, I can tell you first hand, their engineers make incredibly strong bathrooms that are practically unescapable if you get locked inside them. Which is exactly what happened to me.
During a bathroom break I inadvertently locked myself in a practically impenetrable room. The lock had got stuck, and with a sturdy door that seemed bulletproof and a metal frame that would rival modern vaults, I quickly realized there was no way I would get out from the inside. I had no mobile coverage and one bar of wifi - I did the only thing I could, message the exec board group chat and ask for help! Which to be honest I didn't get much!!!
The South American Colonel 'I am retired', the Member for Sport who is a police officer 'not my jurisdiction' and my fellow oceania reps 'this is funny as!' were honestly all not much help. Anyway, I was eventually rescued after having a small panic attack! But concluded these bathrooms are a literal bunker!
On too way more exciting things - Trolley Buses!
Kaunas, Lithuania’s vibrant second city, is quietly leading the way in sustainable urban transport through its trolley bus network—a system that’s not only eco-friendly but also a smart use of road space.
Why I like Trolley Buses
Unlike traditional diesel buses, trolley buses run on electricity, reducing urban emissions and noise pollution. Kaunas has invested in modernizing its fleet, making it one of the most efficient electric public transport systems in the Baltics.
Smarter Use of Road Space
Trolley buses in Kaunas operate on dedicated lanes and optimized routes, allowing for smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion. Their predictable paths and frequent service make them ideal for high-density corridors, especially in areas where rail infrastructure isn’t feasible.
Sustainability Meets Efficiency
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Zero tailpipe emissions
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Lower operating costs over time
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Reliable service with minimal delays
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Integration with other transport modes like buses and trains
In short I like them!!!!
Some pictures below from the trip.
Transit Trends · Andrew Collings, KA Advisory. Read and comment on the original on LinkedIn.
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