The city of Tallinn has decided to close the parking area for county line buses at the Baltic Station. This change will take place in October. Buses will start stopping at Vabaduse, Viru, and Teatri Square.
Kristjan Järvan, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said that the circulation of buses around the Old Town and stopping at the Baltic Station is unnecessary. It causes traffic problems and costs a lot of money. Nearly one million euros are spent on this annually.
After the change, county line passengers will still be able to travel to Tallinn city center. All buses will continue to go to the city center, passing through two to three different stops.
Some bus lines will continue to stop at the Baltic Station, but most buses will turn around at the Mere puiestee roundabout, Estonia puiestee, or Kaarli puiestee. Buses will also stop at Estonia, Viru, and Vabaduse Square.
Indrek Gailan, head of the Tallinn Transport Department, said that the goal is to improve traffic in the city center. Most bus passengers end their journey in the city center. Many buses go to the Baltic Station empty. In the morning, there are an average of 1.5 passengers on the bus.
The contract for the parking area at the Baltic Station is valid until autumn, but the changes will begin on August 1.