Tallinn resident for the past 30 years, here.

I don't know what the heck this article is talking about.

> The buses are on time, the trams are shiny and new, and passengers usually get a seat.

The buses are not on time. They are constantly leaving early, a problem that has been brought up numerous times but just doesn't get fixed. The trams and buses are indeed new(ish) but not shiny. There is a problem with funds allocated for cleaning the public transportation. Although it's not the worst by far, but it's also not a rule that they are clean. Especially in the winter. [1][2][3]

> Tallinn’s city government came up with the idea of free transport after the 2008 financial crisis. Estonia was hit badly, and even though the city paid more than 70% of public-transport costs, ticket prices were still too high for poorer residents.

No, it was for the 2009 local election campaign. Initially the idea was to keep it for a short duration. Literally no-one had complained about the ticket prices. They were not expensive, even if our economy was in a bad state. The same party did this same ploy for the rest of the country too. Literally no-one asked for this and cost is not the biggest problem, by far.[5][6]

> Since Estonia regained independence in 1991, car ownership rates have doubled.

Interesting side note, ever since the Tallinn introduced the free public transport, car ownership rates have soared.[4][8]

> Opponents branded the idea populist and unaffordable. Estonia was pushing through tough austerity measures at the time, including a 10% pay cut for public-sector workers. Critics predicted the transport system would become overcrowded and underfunded. The row was only resolved by a referendum.

A referendum where 20% of the eligible population only voted.[7] The referendum was phrased in way where saying "no" didn't make sense. It was a populist move and the voter turnout mirrors that. Also, I can't remember any other referendums happening in Tallinn.

> Surprisingly, though, instead of collapsing, public transport has improved, despite a €12m hit to the system’s finances from lost ticket sales. Tallinn’s population has grown, leading to a boost in local tax intake. Additional revenue comes from tourists and non-Tallinn residents, who still have to buy tickets. The use of public transport in Tallinn has gone up by 10%, while the number of cars in the city centre has gone down by 10%, meaning less congestion.

Again, not entirely true. I don't know where the decrease of 10% cars figure comes from and also the city center is so small, even if it were true, it's literally a drop in the ocean. I have to pass the city center every day, actually the way the transportation lines are built up, most people have to pass the city center.[4][8]

> Free public transport on its own is not enough to stop people driving, though the evidence is that it helps. In Tallinn higher parking fees and reduced space for cars also played a part in cutting city-centre traffic: on-street parking now costs €6 an hour, and some parking spaces and car lanes have been replaced by bus lanes. Officials say providing a free alternative allowed them to avoid a backlash when driving in the capital was made more expensive and less convenient.

Yet the car ownership keeps growing. You'll see the problem clearer when you compare transportation lines from the Soviet era (30-50 years ago) and realize the lines have barely changed. Yes, there are some new lines but there are buses that drive the same route for decades now, when the jobs have shifted locations.

Also, by funding the "free" public transportation, Tallinn has left schools and kindergardens underfunded. I do agree that people have definitely gotten used to it and it is comfortable. I like that they have also included trains within city limits to this. People are riding trains and we are actually buying new trains.

TL;DR:
* this article is mostly a fluff piece

* spend a day in Tallinn and ride the trams and buses and then to same in Helsinki. We have much to strive for

* it isn't free, we all pay for it and get a crappy experience

* the city has awful pedestrian roads (they are narrow and cars are king) and non-existent bike lanes (especially in the city center)

* they need to modernize the routes

* etc, there's literally a 1000 page book that can be written about Tallinn's transport woes

[1] https://www.postimees.ee/1790081/bussid-ja-trollid-valjuvad-...

[2] https://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/rahvahaal/eksperiment...

[3] https://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/rahvahaal/anna-teada-...

[4] https://longread.delfi.ee/artiklid/tallinnasse-voorib-iga-pa...

[5] https://news.err.ee/833235/survey-free-bus-plan-unpopular-am...

[6] https://news.err.ee/861958/county-buses-often-overcrowded-si...

[7] https://news.err.ee/103737/75-vote-for-free-public-transit-i...

[8] https://blog.stat.ee/tag/auto/