News

As of yesterday, the city of Montpellier in Southern France has fully transitioned to free public transport, inspired by the model implemented in Tallinn. Prior to this change, thorough research was conducted on Tallinn's experience with the system.

On Christmas Eve, December 24 at 12 pm, Tallinn's Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart will declare the Christmas peace, reading the historical Christmas peace message to the citizens from the Town Hall window, according to tradition.

Tallinn’s 2024 budget in the urban planning and heritage conservation sector focuses on planning new kindergartens, valuing historical urban spaces, and modernizing information systems for more efficient and faster planning processes.

During the upcoming Christmas holidays and New Year period, residents can access urgent healthcare services at all city hospitals' emergency departments, at Tallinn Dental Clinic (Tallinna Hambakliinik) and can contact the Family Doctor's Advice Line (Perearsti nõuandetelefon) at 1220.

Tallinn's public transportation will follow a Sunday schedule during the Christmas period. On New Year's Eve, December 31, due to a concert at Freedom Square, traffic will be closed in the area, and bus and trolley lines passing through will be rerouted. After midnight on January 1, several lines will operate extended services to ensure partygoers can return home via public transport.

From December 27-29, Pae Street will see essential water and sewer pipeline construction near the property of Pae Street 2. During these dates, the affected street section will be closed to traffic. As a result, bus lines 7, 13, 50, and 58 will undergo temporary route adjustments. In addition, construction works will necessitate the closure of one lane on Peterburi maantee.

The Tallinn City Government has decided to increase several social benefit rates from January 1, 2024. In response to the rising cost of living, the city is raising the income threshold to 360 euros and the financial support for the beginning of the academic year from the second grade to 100 euros. Additionally, benefits for children with disabilities and pension supplements will also see an increase.

Tallinn has shown progress in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) 2023 analysis, a program renowned as the most reliable benchmarking and improvement tool in tourism sustainability. Since joining the program in 2021, Tallinn has consistently improved its performance. Today, it surpasses the average scores of cities in North America, Eastern and Western Europe, and also ranks higher than any other city in Eastern Europe in individual assessments.

One of the priorities in Tallinn's 2024 budget is the development of a comfortable and safe urban space, which includes investments in transportation infrastructure and making streets more pedestrian-friendly. The city budget has allocated over 47.5 million euros for the reconstruction and major repairs of roads and streets. Key projects for the coming year include the reconstruction of Peterburi maantee and Lastekodu Street, the construction of pedestrian tunnels on Paldiski maantee, the reconstruction of the Kadaka viaduct, and the construction of the first phase of Pollinator Highway green corridor.

Tallinn turns into a festive haven in December, bustling with a myriad of activities and sights - from the historic Old Town to its vibrant neighborhoods, Tallinn hosts an array of cultural and family-friendly events.