Estonia is moving forward with plans to develop a unified public transport ticketing and data platform aimed at simplifying multimodal travel.
The government-backed initiative will see Tartu-based travel technology company Turnit develop a prototype system designed to integrate journey planning and ticket purchasing across multiple transport modes. The platform is part of the MaaS X-tee programme, which seeks to create a single digital layer connecting transport services nationwide.
At present, Estonia’s transport network operates through separate, non-interoperable systems covering trains, buses, trams, ferries, flights and micromobility services. This fragmentation has made it difficult for travellers to plan and book journeys involving more than one mode of transport.
The new platform is intended to allow users to plan entire journeys, select connections and purchase tickets through a single interface. It will function as a standardised data and query layer linking service providers, enabling integrated ticketing, shared travel rights and combined fare products.
A prototype is scheduled for completion in November 2026, with testing expected to focus on its role as an intermediary system between operators. The long-term goal is to create an open platform that can be adopted by both public authorities and private mobility providers.
The project forms part of Estonia’s broader digital infrastructure strategy, building on the country’s established X-Road data exchange system. Officials have positioned the initiative as a way to make public transport more attractive and reduce reliance on private cars by improving convenience and accessibility.
For the travel industry, the unified system is expected to improve the visitor experience by removing the need to navigate multiple booking platforms, particularly for international travellers unfamiliar with local transport networks. Integrated ticketing across modes could also support more complex itineraries and regional dispersal of tourism.