In Tallinn, the recent freezing rain has led to serious disruptions in tram traffic, forcing the city to implement a free service schedule. As of the time of reporting, all trams were halted, and there was a warning for commuters to expect further disruptions across other public transport services. Andrei Novikov, a member of the Tallinn Public Transport Board, indicated that due to the adverse weather conditions, tram standstills could extend from five minutes up to an hour, potentially continuing until 6 PM.

The freezing rain has created significant issues by covering the contact network with ice, which has disrupted the electrical connection necessary for trams to operate. Novikov explained that this leads to power outages, and the restoration process for the electronic systems in the newer trams is complicated. Interestingly, older tram models appear to be more reliable in such conditions, and one of these older trams is currently being used to clear the tracks by running through all the lines.

This situation emphasizes the challenges posed by inclement weather on public transportation systems, particularly in cities like Tallinn that rely heavily on tram networks. The quick response from transportation authorities in informing the public underscores the importance of communication during such weather events, while also revealing vulnerabilities in infrastructure that may need to be addressed to minimize future disruptions.