In 2024, Tallinn made significant strides in public transport with strategic decisions such as a complete renewal of the trolleybus fleet with battery-powered trolleys and signing a 10-year contract with Tallinna Linnatransport AS to ensure the long-term stability and development of the city’s public transport system. This year also saw the completion of the second phase of the public transport network modernization and the redirection of tram line no. 2 through the Old City Harbour.
According to Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan, Tallinn’s long-term strategy focuses on making mobility more sustainable, convenient, and safe. “In 2024, we prioritized modernizing the public transport network and upgrading our fleet. New buses and trams are already visible in the city, and this progress will continue. A key milestone was the decision to completely renew Tallinn’s trolleybus fleet and transition to battery-powered trolleys.”
“The opening of the Old City Harbor tram line is crucial for the reliability and flexibility of the tram network. It allows trams to turn back toward the city center in case of accidents or breakdowns, adding flexibility to the system. Additionally, it improves mobility options for both residents and tourists visiting Tallinn,” said Järvan.
The 10-year service agreement signed with AS Tallinna Linnatransport aims to provide and develop modern, comfortable, and high-quality public transport services in the city. This is one of the largest contracts ever signed in Estonia’s mobility sector, with an estimated total value of €1.2–1.4 billion. The collaboration seeks to increase the share of public transport users to 50% of all modes of transportation.
In 2024, approximately 21% of Tallinn’s public transport network was updated, including changes to 15 bus routes. Over the past two years, 34% of the network has been modernized to make public transport faster and more convenient for residents.
This year, the city’s partner JCDecaux began modernizing public transport shelters, installing over 300 new designs. In 2025, nearly 280 more stops will be updated, with the goal of replacing all shelters across the city within four years.
Tallinna Linnatransport AS serves approximately 360,000 passengers daily and nearly 133 million annually. The city’s public transport system is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. By 2024, the fleet included 458 buses and 45 trams during peak hours (and up to 28 trolleybuses until November 1), many of which run on sustainable fuels such as biogas and electricity. The ongoing development of the system reduces emissions and promotes sustainable travel.
Late summer saw the introduction of the first new-generation PESA trams. A total of 23 new trams will be added to Tallinn’s streets this year and next, offering improved connectivity and modern conditions for passengers.
In the second half of the year, a procurement process for battery-powered trolleys was launched, attracting bids from Solaris and Škoda. The tender includes the delivery of 40 new trolleys, with an option for an additional 30. These battery-powered trolleys, capable of traveling part of the distance without overhead lines, will provide greater reliability and flexibility. The results of the procurement are not yet known, but the first new trolleybuses are expected to hit Tallinn’s streets by the end of 2025.
The autumn saw the completion of the Old City Harbor tram line, with long-anticipated tram service beginning on December 1. Tram line no. 2 was redirected to this route, significantly improving mobility in the harbour area and creating seamless connections for tourists and locals between the Balti jaam station, the harbour, and soon the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal and the airport.
The Tallinn Transport Department is also addressing traffic management. In 2024, more than 70,867 square meters of road markings were applied, equivalent to 708.67 km of continuous lines or 1,417.34 km of dashed lines.
Street closure fees collected from businesses are expected to generate just over €2 million in revenue by the end of 2024. Paid parking areas in the city are forecasted to bring in nearly €7 million in parking fees by the year’s end.
Source: tallinn.ee