Factsheet for measure
EE-2022-11/2316
– measures in Estonia
Free public transport for Ukrainian refugees
Tasuta ühistransport Ukraina põgenikele
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Country
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Estonia
, applies nationwide
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Time period
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Temporary, 11 March 2022 – 01 July 2024
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Context
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War in Ukraine
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Type
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Other initiatives or policies
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Category
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Measures to prevent social hardship
– Provision of services in kind (e.g. food vouchers)
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Author
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Ingel Kadarik (Praxis Center for Policy Studies) and Eurofound
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Measure added
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18 May 2022 (updated 09 January 2025)
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Background information
Due to the war in Ukraine, more than 20,000 war refugees arrived in Estonia. To facilitate their stay and integration in Estonia, the Estonian Transport Administration, Elron (national passenger train operator) and local public transport centres and local governments agreed to facilitate the travel possibilities for Ukrainian refugees in Estonia.
Content of measure
In order to support the Ukrainian war refugees to find a job, place to live and move around, they have the right for free of charge use of the public transport in Estonia. This covers bus, tram, trolleybus and train lines administrated by the national or regional authorities. Private public transport is not included (e.g. between larger towns). To prove their right to travel free of charge, refugees receive a corresponding public transport card from the host local government or regional Public Transport Center. With the support, travel within towns, counties and somewhat between counties in one region is free for the refugees. The measure was eliminated in summer 2024 and the same conditions apply as to other Estonian citizens.
Use of measure
No information available.
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Does not apply to workers
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Does not apply to businesses
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Migrants or refugees
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Local / regional government
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Local funds
National funds
Regional funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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No involvement as case not in social partner domain
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No involvement as case not in social partner domain
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
-
No involvement
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Main level of involvement: N/A
Involvement
No involvement.
Views and reactions
No information.
Sources
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14 March 2022: Ukrainian war refugees can travel Estonian trains and city and county buses free of charge
(www.transpordiamet.ee)
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07 June 2024: Ukrainian refugees will lose the right to free bus travel on county routes
(www.err.ee)
