Brief overview of the company

In 1922, entrepreneur Fromhold Kangro received permission from the city government to launch five bus lines and commenced traffic in the capital with old double-decker Daimlers. Four years later, his debts to Krediidipank turned out to be so big that he had no choice but to transfer his business to the private limited company (OÜ) that was being created. On 26 January 1926, OÜ Mootor commenced operation based on the assets of Kangro’s company. Over time, Mootor took over all city lines from other companies.

OÜ Mootor survived the war years and political regime changes, nationalisation and a series of reorganisations. After the Second World War in 1945, the Motor Transport Authority transferred eleven busses from the then Motor Depot No 1 to Motor Depot No 5, which commenced, in addition to freight carriage, passenger services on 8 December 1945. During the period of Soviet government, this day came to be celebrated as the anniversary of the founding of TBC.

For 85 years, the main business of the company has been the provision of bus services. The post-war period saw long decades of operation as a state business. In 1993, the TBC was reorganised into a public limited company owned by the City of Tallinn. Whilst adapting to the requirements of a market economy, the TBC has today evolved into a company with multiple divisions in diverse businesses.

Bus traffic services are provided by Tallinn City Lines. Of the divisions directly or indirectly related to the main business the largest is the Bus Repair and Maintenance business division, providing repair services, bus painting and vehicle washing to clients in addition to meeting the company’s needs. TBC Training Centre is engaged in the preparation of D, C and CE category drivers and the professional training of motor vehicle drivers and truck drivers, in addition to training its own bus drivers and mechanics.

The TBC Real Estate business division is engaged primarily in the management of the company’s buildings and power systems. In addition, the company includes TBC Catering and Burman’s Willa, providing conference travel and hotel services.

Since 1993, the Tallinn Bus Company has been a member of the International Public Transport Association UITP. Since 1999, the company has participated in the work of UITP’s European Union committee as observer, and since 2004, TBC has been a full member of UITP’s European Union committee.