Eesti Raudtee expected that trains between Tallinn and Tartu would start running faster already in September. However, the documentation for the works took more time. Now, trains will start running faster from Monday.
Construction work in the direction of Tartu was almost completed a month ago according to the announcement. It was expected that new systems would be activated at Tapa station. However, this was delayed because the preparation of the documentation took longer. By mid-October, the train from Tallinn to Tartu still takes nearly three hours.
Eesti Raudtee CEO Kaido Zimmermann said that the new schedule will start on October 20th. Travel times will improve, but some restrictions will remain. These are related to the works between Lagedi and Aegviidu. These works will continue until the end of the year.
According to the new schedule, the express train from Tallinn to Tartu will take 2 hours and 19 minutes. The regular train will take 2 hours and 40 minutes. This is 25-24 minutes faster than currently. The next schedule change is planned for November 23rd. Then, it is hoped to further shorten travel times.
Elron's communication officer Kristo Mäe said that the full fast travel time (1 hour 57 minutes) is still far away. Work at Tapa station is still ongoing. New safety systems are being installed there. Until these are completed, much work is done manually.
Zimmermann said that the new system at Tapa station is the first in Estonia. Therefore, it is receiving special attention. Once it is completed, other lines can also be upgraded. Next are the Tapa-Tartu, Tartu-Valga, Tapa-Narva, and Tartu-Koidula lines.
Mäe said that the works have affected the number of passengers. Last year, 16% fewer people traveled in the Tallinn-Tartu direction compared to the previous year. This is over 250,000 passengers.
When the works are completed and the new electric trains start running, Elron hopes that the number of passengers will increase. Especially if the travel time is shortened. The goal is to travel from Tallinn to Tartu in 1 hour and 30 minutes.