1st new Polish-made tram to start operating in Tallinn

TALLINN - The first of the brand new trams ordered by the City of Tallinn from PESA, Poland's biggest manufacturer of rolling stock, will begin operation in Tallinn on Friday, following the completion of the testing phase.

The tram will depart from the Vana-Lõuna stop at 1:10 p.m., proceed to the Suur-Paala terminus, and then continue to serve tram line No. 2, Suur-Paala -- Kopli, for the rest of the day. During the inaugural trip from Vana-Lõuna to Suur-Paala, live music will be provided by the brass band of the city's public transport company TLT and cheerful tram drivers will treat passengers to candies, reflectors, and balloons.

"We are delighted that the extensive testing and preparation phase is now over and the trams ordered for 35 years can gradually start operating on our routes, with the first tram starting its service in our tram system's birthday week. On Aug. 24, the tram service of Tallinn will celebrate its 136th anniversary," said Kaido Padar, board member of TLT.

He noted that over the past three years, the city has been acquiring new rolling stock in large numbers: nearly two-thirds of the city's buses have been replaced, which means 350 new gas-powered buses and 15 electric buses, along with a third of social transport vehicles, meaning 16 new vans. Following the introduction of the PESA trams, nearly a third of the tram rolling stock of Tallinn will be brand new. 

The PESA trams are equipped with modern technological solutions that ensure smoother ride and better passenger comfort. The trams are spacious, energy-efficient and take into account the needs of parents with strollers as well as people with special needs, providing convenient access. A total of 23 trams will eventually arrive from the PESA plant.