Editorial: the carrot conundrum

Photo: Arvet Mägi

The new diesel trains, entered into Estonian folklore as «carrots», keep getting initial feedback not too nice: ticket sellers aren’t reaching everyone; no place to stick one’s luggage; not enough seats – and nowhere to stand, either.

Sure, not all may run smooth at once; even so, Elron – operator of the fresh carrots – did a poor job at communication. The initial comments, over the weekend, came across as underestimating the indignation, occasionally pretending not to even notice. 

Of course, it may always be said things used to be a lot worse. Many a reader will remember the Tallinn-Tartu travels on wooden benches. Those older yet may recall the long hours standing in a long-distance bus. After all that, lack of bicycle space and snacks on trains may sound like spoiled brats complaining. 

Still, let us herewith recall: there were the days all had not a telephone at home. Today, who would imagine life without one? Times have changed, people’s requirements and options as well.

Diesel trains might, no doubt, be a comfy and green(ish) alternative to bus lines. Even so: will the picture presented by Elron, these days, serve to lure the traveller over? Bus traffic works just fine, leaving folks with few reasons to risk two hours standing on a train, baggage in hand. Thus, the might come the moment where people again conclude that trains are no good. Then, however, it’ll no longer be the issue of aging infrastructure; rather, it would be clumsiness of operators scaring clients away. Considering the entire endeavour is state-subsidised, taxpayer money will go waste. 

Therefore, Elron must seriously analyse the experience gained, drawing its conclusions. The talk of people standing in trains the world over isn’t convincing; at least not yet, while we have our comfortable alternatives. 

These past train-days do make one ask: what about the coordination of Estonian public transport? Economy ministry says the short trains were ordered to be economical. On the other hand, dwellers of Rapla and Hagudi, for instance, are grieved at rush hour trains turned into expresses, not stopping at small settlements.

And: may it be called economical – having trains comfortable enough for the short ride, not a long trip? If, for that reason, people opt for the car or a bus, diesel trains will not fulfil their mission, thus proving uneconomical. Considering, also, the time-consuming and torturous restoration of Estonian Air, one gets the impression: to escape becoming periphery, would Estonia need a standalone transport ministry?