The City of Tallinn will implement several updates to its public transport network this year to enhance connections between districts and provide more convenient transfer options. Proposed changes were introduced in all districts, and residents were able to provide feedback through the city’s website. Based on this input, some routes were adjusted, and certain plans were abandoned.

The changes will take effect during the autumn school holiday, starting on October 21. Prior to final decisions, residents had the opportunity to share their opinions and suggestions from September 3 to 20. Approximately 5,000 comments were received which have been continuously analyzed.

"Our goal is to make public transport the preferred choice for daily commuting, which is why developing public transport is one of the city government’s top priorities. In the coming years, we will invest over 100 million euros into public transport to bring new trolleybuses, trams, and buses to our streets," said Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski. "At the same time, we are modernizing the public transport network to provide fast and convenient connections for our residents. On some lines, we will significantly increase connection speeds and launch long-awaited routes between Tiskre and the city center, as well as between Õismäe and Kopli. Next, we will start negotiations with neighboring municipalities to connect areas beyond the city limits to Tallinn's public transport network, thereby reducing the number of vehicles coming into the city."

Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan emphasized that while the initial proposals for modernizing the public transport network were based on data-driven analysis, resident feedback was also taken into account when making final decisions. "Unlike last year, when residents were simply presented with facts, this time we actively involved people in the process and considered their feedback. Nearly 5,000 people shared their opinions, and discussions took place in all districts. This clearly indicates how important public transport is. Based on the received suggestions, we adjusted several routes and abandoned changes that required more thorough discussions. The positive aspect is that thanks to the new route, bus line No. 49 will become 20 minutes faster for travel from Pirita to Ülemiste City. Bus line No. 13 will provide a direct connection to the airport for residents of Haabersti, Lasnamäe, and Mustamäe. Residents of Astangu will finally have the connection they have been waiting for to the city center," Järvan explained.

The network updates taking effect on October 21 are based on a comprehensive traffic model that incorporates various modes of transport and relies on extensive data collection. The dataset used for planning changes includes information on population distribution and demographics, data from public transport user counting systems, and traffic data. Additionally, mobile positioning data and demand matrices for origin and destination points, based on the Tax and Customs Board's information regarding registered homes and workplaces, are also considered. The new public transport network planning also incorporates studies, external consultant recommendations, and citizen feedback received during the public proposal period.

More detailed information and schematics for the second phase of public transport network changes can be found on the website www.tallinn.ee/uusliinivork. Based on resident feedback, the initial proposals have been adjusted as follows:

• Line 4: Will operate along Õismäe tee in Väike-Õismäe, bringing stops closer to four different schools.
• Line 12: A rapid express line that will pass through the Järvevana tunnel.
• Line 13: Based on requests from Lasnamäe residents, the airport stop will be added to this line.
• Line 21A: Will remain as is at the request of Kakumäe residents.
• Lines 21/21B, 41/41B: These lines will stay the same due to requests from Kakumäe residents, with potential changes requiring further discussion.
• Lines 24/20/20A: These lines will remain unchanged at the request of residents in the Mäepealne area, with potential changes requiring further discussion.
• New Line 25: Will operate between Tiskre and the D-Terminal at the Reisisadam, establishing a direct connection to the city center and opening the Liivalaia corridor, which hosts several schools and the East Tallinn Central Hospital. Line 22 on a similar route will be discontinued.
• Lines 26/26A: Will be directed to Paldiski maantee, operating all day and on weekends, unlike the current schedule.
• Lines 40 and 51: These lines will be merged, creating a new direct connection between Põhja-Tallinn and Lasnamäe, supporting line 35.
• Lines 47 and 54: These will be merged, creating a long-awaited direct connection between Astangu and the city center.
• Line 48: The route has been adjusted to Kloostrimetsa tee at the request of Pirita residents, and will also be extended at the request of Lasnamäe residents to run from Gaasi Street to the Vesse intersection, passing through the Seli area.
• Line 49: A stop at Mähe tee has been added based on residents’ requests. Since this is an express line, the Kaasiku stop will be removed.
• Line 61: This line will remain unchanged at the request of Astangu residents, resulting in the Kakumäe-Õismäe-Mustamäe line not being implemented for now.

The renewal of Tallinn’s public transport routes will occur in phases to allow residents to gradually adapt to the changes. The updates also depend on the infrastructure, as new transport hubs need to be created and stop locations adjusted in several areas to facilitate more convenient transfers. The renewal of the public transport network began in the summer of 2023 when nine bus routes were consolidated into four new ones, along with some minor adjustments to certain routes.