Free rail transport in Tallinn could end soon after March elections
The expansion of Tallinn's free public transport to rail travel is under threat as rail passenger company Elron said cooperation with the city government could fall apart.
The city has an agreement with the state-owned Elron until the end of the current year, and is likely to sign an extension up to the end of March next year, the month of national elections. The two sides have reached an agreement on price and are working out details for the three-month extension, Elron said today.
The cost to the city has skyrocketed as the scheme has been very popular. Tallinn budgeted 375,000 for the project in 2014, but that figure has grown nearly fivefold to 1.35 million euros.
If Tallinn chooses to continue with the project, the annual cost will be far higher, over 1.5 million, as Elron has increased ticket prices. The cost to the city depends on the number of Tallinn residents riding trains for free.
Currently Tallinn residents can travel on Elron trains for free within city limits.
Editor: J.M. Laats