First new Škoda trolleybuses arrive in Tallinn

TALLINN - The first three new Škoda trolleybuses arrived in Tallinn on Thursday and are set to begin servicing city routes from July 1.

Following a public procurement tender conducted in 2024, Tallinn has acquired 40 new trolleybuses equipped with modern technology, allowing them to operate on battery power.

According to Joel Jesse, Deputy Mayor for Transport, the restoration of trolleybus services this summer marks a significant step in the deliberate and consistent development of Tallinn's public transport system. "Our goal is to maintain a reliable, diverse, and resilient urban transport network by leveraging various energy sources and flexible solutions," Jesse stated.

Andrei Novikov, a board member of the municipal transport company Tallinna Linnatransport (TLT), explained that the new vehicles combine the reliability of classic trolleybuses with the flexibility of modern electric buses, enabling the city to offer a high-quality and sustainable service to passengers. "The temporary suspension of trolleybus services allowed us to efficiently and cost-effectively upgrade the entire city's overhead contact line network."

The newly arrived trolleybuses will soon undergo type approval and technical inspections, with test runs on the capital's streets scheduled to begin in a few weeks.

The procurement includes a total of 40 new trolleybuses: 18 standard 12-meter Škoda 32 Tr models and 22 articulated 18-meter Škoda 33 Tr models. The cost for a standard trolleybus is approximately 600,000 euros, while an articulated model costs around 800,000 euros. The total value of the contract is 30,140,045 euros. The purchase was supported by a grant of just over 12 million euros from the European Union's Modernisation Fund, administered by the Environmental Investment Centre (KIK).

"The city also holds an option to order up to 30 additional battery-powered trolleybuses at the same price. Once the Tallinn City Council approves the budget strategy, we plan to expand the trolleybus network. The city aims to develop trolleybus services towards the Väike-Õismäe and Lasnamäe districts in the future," Deputy Mayor Jesse added.

The new trolleybuses can travel up to 25 kilometers on battery power alone, without connecting to the overhead lines. The standard model has a capacity of up to 69 passengers, with 24 seats and standing room for 45. The articulated version can carry up to 120 passengers, with 40 seats and standing room for 80. All vehicles are low-floor, equipped with an electric wheelchair ramp and wide doors to ensure easy and quick boarding.