European community for mobility management

Rural areas in southern Estonia can’t support frequent public transport services, but a successful pilot project in one town has convinced neighbouring communities that on-demand-buses are the way to go.

The pilot project, which aims to make the bus schedule flexible according to the needs of local residents, was first launched four years ago in Räpina. So far it has proven to be a successful alternative to conventional public transportation which often does not reach smaller villages. 

"We have a relatively well-organised conventional public transport system, yet there are certain times, when buses do not come to some villages, which is how the idea was born," said Teet Helm, municipality elder of Räpina, where the bus normally makes a round once a week, with an average of 15 customers using the service. 

Based on Räpina’s experience, several other municipalities are planning to adopt such a service. Two of them, Värska and Mikitamäe, plan to adjust the bus schedule according to the opening times of the post office and family doctor surgeries.

Räpina’s service can be booked by phone. “Say, if someone needs to go to a concert but does not have any means of private transportation, the bus-on-request service is very helpful,” said Tiia Allas from Saatse, another municipality planning to follow Räpina’s example.   

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