Tallinn Offers Free Public Transportation to All Residents
Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar said the city is willing to make public transportation free for its residents in 2013, if taxpayers support the idea in a poll from March 19 to 25.
Currently, pensioners and children of families with financial difficulties are granted free bus rides in Tallinn, reported Õhtuleht. "Free fares would be useful for others in economic hardship, who could instead use the ticket money for a better meal," said Savisaar.
A three-member family could save up 650 euros per year, the mayor said.
The reform would also popularize travel by bus and reduce the number of cars, congestion and traffic accidents, he added.
Ingrid Teesalu