Tram driver says Tallinn operator neglects training and incident reviews

Talinn City Transport does not adequately train tram drivers or review incidents with staff, an anonymous tram department employee told ERR, disputing the operator’s assurances that drivers receive sufficient training and guidance.

The employee said staff lacked information about professional training, practical instruction and the role of instructors. They also questioned how instructors are chosen and whether professional standards remain the priority.

The employee said drivers had not collectively reviewed a tram collision on Lubja Street on February 25, in which one tram hit another. Five people were injured, significant material damage was caused and tram services were disrupted for several hours. The employee said staff had not been told what caused the crash or what steps could prevent similar accidents.

The employee also said a recent incident involving a father and child had not been adequately discussed with drivers. The child was left at a stop between Vabaduse väljak and Viru when the tram doors closed before the father, who was pushing a stroller, could get off. The tram continued towards the airport.

ERR reported the incident the previous week, after which residents contacted the broadcaster with complaints about drivers’ conduct. Tallinn City Transport rejected some of the criticism.

The employee said two similar incidents involving passengers travelling with children had occurred in the past week, suggesting that lessons had not been learned.

Kaido Padar, head of Tallinn City Transport, rejected the employee’s allegations and said the company analyses incidents and draws conclusions from them. After the father-and-child incident received media attention, a group leader spoke with tram drivers and asked them to be more attentive.

Tags: Tallinn, public transport, trams