Starting Friday, November 1, buses will temporarily replace Tallinn's trolleybus lines due to the outdated condition of the trolleys and supporting infrastructure, which require modernization. The new trolleybuses are expected to start serving the city in the first half of 2026.

Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan explained that temporarily replacing the trolleybuses with buses is necessary as the current fleet and infrastructure, including the overhead network and substations, are too worn to be repaired. “Maintaining trolleys over 15 years old has become increasingly difficult, as spare parts for vehicles of this age are no longer available. Therefore, we’ll temporarily replace them with buses until new units arrive. This spring, the city allocated 30 million euros for updating the trolleybus fleet. In summer, AS Tallinna Linnatransport launched a procurement for new trolleybuses, with results to be announced soon,” Järvan added.

Until the new trolleybuses arrive, all lines will be served by replacement buses. Routes will remain the same, but timetables will be adjusted to keep the replacement buses on schedule considering traffic conditions. The numbering system for the replacement buses follows a logical approach, with an “8” added to each trolleybus line number. For instance, trolleybus line No. 1 will operate as bus line No. 81, and so forth.

From November 1, the following buses will temporarily serve the trolleybus lines:

• Trolleybus line No. 1 replaced by bus line No. 81
• Trolleybus line No. 3 replaced by bus line No. 83
• Trolleybus line No. 4 replaced by bus line No. 84
• Trolleybus line No. 5 replaced by bus line No. 85

The introduction of new battery-operated trolleys is part of Tallinn’s broader public transportation upgrade program, focusing on reducing environmental impact and adopting innovative solutions. The battery trolleys set to enter service in 2026 will have the capability to operate on both overhead and battery power, reducing the need for additional infrastructure. Plans include removing the overhead network in the city center, while suitable charging infrastructure will be installed along Mustamäe tee and Sõpruse puiestee.