Tallinn overhauls 43% of public transport routes; all new trolleybuses hit the streets
On 1 August, Tallinn changed 43% of its public transport routes, and trams again serve the airport after a long pause, now from both Tondi and Kopli. All 35 new trolleybuses were deployed without problems, although final schedules will be confirmed only by 1 September.
Tallinn has significantly reorganized its public transport network as of 1 August, with changes affecting 43% of all routes. Tram service to the airport has returned after a long break, and it now operates from two parts of the city: Tondi and Kopli.
All 35 new articulated trolleybuses have entered service on city lines. The most notable changes have occurred on bus routes connecting different ends of the city. The longest of the renewed routes is bus No. 1, stretching 54 kilometres between Laagri and Viimsi.
The municipal transport company Tallinna Linnatransport (TLT) had warned that minor schedule adjustments could be made during August, and final timetables will be approved by 1 September.
Kaido Padar, chairman of the TLT board, says this is a unique situation because the route network overhaul coincided with the introduction of new Turkish-made buses and 35 new trolleybuses. The biggest concern was whether the infrastructure would cope with the load, but the first day passed without any major issues. The initial tram runs to the airport also went smoothly.
