The municipal leaders of Otepää, Tõrva and Valga wrote to Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras. They asked to change the schedule of trains running between Tartu and Valga. The new schedule does not suit the residents of their municipalities. The minister said he is ready to talk and will meet with the municipal leaders next week.
The municipal leaders said the new schedule makes life more difficult for residents. With the old schedule, the train arrived in Tartu before nine o'clock. This was good for going to work and school. Now the train arrives in Tartu only at 11:25. This is too late.
The municipal leaders said many people now have to travel by car. Traveling by car is more expensive and more dangerous. It also harms the environment. Children can no longer travel independently by train.
The municipal leaders want the old schedule to return. They said the state should think more about the people of Southern Estonia. Trains are important for people to get to work and school.
Minister Terras said he understands the problem. He promised to meet with the municipal leaders and find a solution. The minister said the current situation is temporary. It is related to the new international train line and the lack of trains.
The ministry said they are monitoring the situation. They are ready to change the schedule again if necessary. They want the trains to help the residents of the region.