Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is planning to invest in 40 battery-powered trolleybuses and upgrade its contact network, according to local media ERR.ee. This decision marks a revival of trolleybus technology in the city after 24 years of transitioning to buses with CNG drivetrains. The move to retain trolleybuses alongside electric buses is seen as a cost-effective way to transition to emission-free transportation by 2035. The new trolleybuses are expected to arrive in Tallinn within the next three to five years.+
Tallinn City Transport AS has been commissioned by the city council to procure the new trolleybuses and renovate the trolleybus infrastructure. The fleet will consist of 22 long trolleybuses measuring 18 meters and 18 regular trolleybuses measuring 12 meters. The estimated cost for the trolleybuses is €30 million. Despite the closure of trolleybus lines in recent years, overhead lines will still be used for power, with batteries providing additional range. The funding for the trolleybus project will come from Tallinn’s budget, and plans are underway to relocate the trolleybus depot. The city is also set to introduce modern trams and electric buses this year as part of its commitment to sustainable public transportation.
Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet emphasized the benefits of maintaining trolleybus infrastructure. He stated that with proper maintenance, the infrastructure could last up to 50 years and would enable the city to expand its fleet of electric buses without the need for significant investments in connection fees. Svet also highlighted the importance of having charging capacity at terminals to support a larger fleet of electric buses.
