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Tallinn first EU capital to give residents a free ride

10 January 2013, 16:25 CET
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(TALLINN) - Tallinn has become the first capital city in the European Union to give its residents a free ride on public transport.

Under rules which came into effect as of the new year, the Estonian capital's nearly 420,000 registered residents are entitled to ride all municipal busses and tramlines free of charge after buying a special green transport pass for just two euros ($2.60).

Public transport was already free for senior citizens.

"I'm glad public transport is free now, as I don't have to worry any more about whether my monthly card has expired," 35-year old Galina told AFP as she hopped off a bus in central Tallinn this week.

While the overwhelming majority of commuters are enthusiastic, the move is not without its detractors.

The most criticism comes from those who see it purely as an attempt by the left-leaning Centre Party to boost its popularity as it faces a municipal election this October.

However the Centre Party insists the initiative is aimed a reducing traffic congestion and pollution in the capital.


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