The Vanasadam (Old City Harbour) tramway was officially opened today, with regular tram services set to begin on Sunday, December 1.

Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski emphasized the importance of developing public transportation in the rapidly growing city. “I’m delighted that the multi-year Old City Harbour project is now complete. Alongside the new tramline, we’ve also established a modern streetscape that benefits both pedestrians and cyclists. I’m particularly pleased with the Kaubamaja intersection, where pedestrians can once again cross the street without having to go underground,” he said.

“This project is just one milestone in a much longer and more ambitious journey. In the coming years, we’ll invest over €100 million to build new tramlines and upgrade our rolling stock. Next year, we’ll begin designing the Liivalaia-Kristiine and Pelguranna tramlines, which are expected to be completed by 2029. Simultaneously, we’ll acquire new trams, trolleybuses, and biogas buses to make public transportation a convenient alternative to private cars,” Ossinovski added.

At the opening ceremony, the ribbon was cut by Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski, Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet, City Council Chairman Toomas Kruusimägi, Deputy Mayors Pärtel-Peeter Pere and Kristjan Järvan, Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia Ave Schank-Lukas, AS Tallinna Linnatransport Board Member Kaido Padar, Chair of the Management Board of Merko Ehitus Eesti Jaan Mäe, KMG Infra Board Member Indrek Pappel, Viru Keskus Director Gertti Kogermann, and Chair of the Management Board  of Rail Baltic Estonia CEO Anvar Salomets.

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees enjoyed a test ride to the Old City Harbour, where they were greeted by Port of Tallinn Chair of the Management Board Valdo Kalm and his team. The event also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the launch of tram service to the harbor. Entertainment was provided by tightrope walker Jaan Roose, the Tallinn Police Orchestra, and eco-friendly traveler Alev Ström.

The tramline was constructed by Merko Ehitus Eesti and KMG Infra. The project, which began in the spring of 2023 and concluded in the fall of 2024, involved the construction of approximately 2.5 kilometers of double-track tramline, complete with stops and a substation. Significant upgrades were also made to underground utilities and the surrounding streetscape.

The new tramline branches off from the Tartu maantee tramline, with a switch installed onto Gonsiori Street. The route then proceeds via A. Laikmaa, Hobujaama, and Ahtri Streets to the harbour area, continuing through the Cultural Hub and Linnahall to connect with the tramline leading to Kopli.

Starting December 1, tramline 2 will operate on the new tracks, running initially on the route Kopli–Vanasadam–Suur-Paala. Once construction of the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal progresses to allow trams to pass through the area, the line will be extended to the airport as soon as possible.

The new timetable for line 2 can be found on the website transport.tallinn.ee and will also be displayed at tram stops along the route starting Sunday. More details about the tramline and recent changes can be found at www.tallinn.ee/en/vanasadamatramm.

The total cost of the Old City Harbour tramline construction, including VAT and oversight expenses, was approximately €55 million. The project was co-funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU Recovery Fund, contributing €36.5 million.