Estonian capital offers free public transit for all residents

The free ride program, which will cost the city some $16 million annually in lost ticket sales, has surpassed expectations, with ridership up 10%.

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April 4, 2013

Estonian capital offers free public transit for all residents — Tallinn, Estonia's view of Old Town. Photo by Marko Leppik, via Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

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Tallinn, Estonia's view of Old Town. Photo by Marko Leppik, via Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

TALLINN, Estonia — The capital of Estonia became the world's first to introduce free public transport for all of its residents. Passengers on the city's buses, streetcars and trams only need to have a transit pass showing they're a registered Tallinner, according to an AP report.

The free ride program, which will cost the city some $16 million annually in lost ticket sales, has surpassed expectations, with ridership up 10%. Additionally, the number of cars on city streets has fallen by as much as 15%, said city transport authority officials. For the full story, click here.

Topics:free rides innovative practices ridership growth Rail Technology Bus

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