Tallinn: Free Public Transport

With more people moving to cities and more people getting cars, cities around the world are confronted with exponential traffic and pollution. The promotion and implementation of more sustainable modes of transport are pressing issues that policy-makers and municipalities must address. How can they possibly counter the independence that comes with having a car?
Starting in January 2013, Tallinn will become the first European capital to offer free public transport to its citizens. According to The Baltic Times (August 23, 2012), with the new ticketing system the City of Tallinn will lose approximately 14 million euros in uncollected ticket revenues in 2013. But then the current system of ticket sales is seen as overpriced anyhow and wasteful for the environment.

The long-term environmental benefits to having less cars circulating are evident while citizens will also enjoy cleaner air and less noise pollution. Although several small and medium-size cities have already converted to the free-fare public transport system, Tallinn is definitely setting an example and opening the way for other European capitals to follow.

Is free public transport enough of an incentive for commuters to shift to public transport? In Tallinn, paper tickets will be abolished and regardless of a person’s place of residence, anyone under 19 will be allowed to ride for free. Users of the public transport who are not residents of Tallinn will have to buy e-tickets or electronic cards.

Estonia joined the European Union in 2004, signed the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, and adopted the euro in 2011. As of 2012, Estonia remains the only euro member with a budget surplus.

Estonia is 34th among 187 countries in the UN Human Development Index that at education levels, life span and economic development.

Some other European cities already providing free public transport

Hasselt, Belgium

The city of Hasselt is the most notable success story of free public transport implementation. The Belgian city of 73,000 inhabitants has implemented fare-free transportation in 1997 and by 2006 its public transport use has raised 13 times.

Colomiers, France

The first area of France to offer zero-fare public transport which is still in operation at present. Since 1971 its 30,000 inhabitants have been enjoying free bus rides.

Aubagne, France

The urban district of Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Etoile near Marseille with 100,000 residents started free public transport in 2009.

Gibraltar (2011), Manosque (2010), Libourne (2010), Castres (2008), Châteauroux (2001), Prague (in times of flooding and pollution peaks)

Tallin

Located in north-eastern Europe, the capital of Estonia is on the Baltic Sea and looks across the Gulf of Finland at Helsinki. Tallinn has developed into a thriving port city as well as an emerging industrial and commercial hub.

Tallinn houses a significant amount of technology start-ups and more established companies. Ericsson has placed its production and innovation on 4G technology here and Skype is perhaps the most renowned and successful start-up from Tallinn.

Over 150 companies operate in the Tallinn’s Research Park Tehnopol – most are active in ICT, electronics, mechanics, biotechnology. Five research and development centers also operate there making Tehnopol a veritable incubator for innovation.

Don’t miss Tallin’s unique fire and ice party in January