Estonia joined the European
Union in 2004, signed the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, and adopted the euro in 2011.
Estonia is the only euro member with a budget surplus.
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 mediumsize 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.
Message from the Mayor Introducing free public transport in the capital of Estonia will grant equal mobility opportunities to all social strata. To many car drivers, free public transport will be a major incentive to switch to public transport, thus reducing pollution and noise while improving living standards. 75% of Tallinners voted for free public transport in our local referendum between March 19-25, 2012. We have no need to discuss if we need free public transport, but rather when free public transport will reach the surrounding areas of Harju County and to the rest of Estonia. The people of Tallinn have said their word and I am sure that the entire nation would do the same if they are asked about it. Free public transport in Tallinn will start on January 1, 2013, and this is a brave step towards making Tallinn a green capital in the future.
Tallinn has close to 175,000 motor vehicles: 145,867 cars 22,893 trucks 4,437 motorcycles 366 scooters 1,302 buses Source: Statistics Estonia, 2012
Mr. Edgar Savisaar Mayor of Tallinn
Estonia is 34th among 187 countries in the UN Human Development Index that measures education levels, life span and economic development.
41