As of the start of next year, residents of Tallinn will travel free of charge on the city's busses, trolleys and trams.

Up until now, officials in Helsinki have judged free public transport as not worth implementing for environmental purposes. A study on the issue indicated that such a move would reduce travel by foot and bicycle more than it would cut back the use of private cars in urban areas.

Additionally, the city would continue to have costs for operating public transport, without however, the revenues from ticket sales.

Planning officials are now, though, keeping an open mind and may re-evaluate the situation in light of the results of the upcoming trial in Tallinn.