Since its launch in the first half of January, the Tartu-Riga express train has been in service, averaging about 40 passengers a day. This number equates to merely a bus full of commuters traveling regularly between these two cities. The government has been subsidizing the service, paying at least 101 euros for each passenger that uses the train.

The figures suggest that while there is some interest in the service, the current passenger numbers are low, prompting questions about the sustainability of such operations without significant ridership. The costs, primarily covered by the state, raise discussions about fiscal responsibility and the necessity of such subsidies in the context of public transportation funding.

In the broader context, this may indicate challenges within the Estonian public transport system or a potential lack of awareness among commuters about the services available to them. As cities like Tartu and Riga continue to develop, the effectiveness of transportation options may need to be evaluated to ensure better service utilization and viability going forward.