The government decided to increase public transport funding by 54 million euros. This money will help ensure stable and accessible public transport.
In 2025, public transport funding was 162 million euros. Next year, it will be 174 million euros. The increase in funding comes from long-term contracts with public transport companies.
Regional Minister Hendrik Terras said that public transport is very important for Estonian people. For example, the monthly regional bus pass costs 25 euros, while the cost of owning a car is about 500 euros per month.
The basic funding for public transport has been around 121 million euros annually. Previously, the regional ministry has requested additional funds from the state budget reserve. However, this is not sustainable.
The government also plans to consolidate the current 11 public transport centers into one or two centers. One center would help better manage route networks. At the same time, regional specialists would remain employed but would work under one center.
Terras emphasized that it is important to ensure fast and user-friendly public transport. There should be only one ticket for purchase. How this will be achieved, whether through one or two centers, will be clarified soon.