Tallinn and Limerick turn buses into smart, demand-driven problem solvers

Tallinn and Limerick are turning everyday buses into smart, problem-solving machines. In Estonia’s capital, the City of Tallinn and the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities have launched a pilot equipping city buses and waste collection trucks with AI-enabled cameras that detect damaged or missing traffic signs in real time. 

“By installing mobile sensors on existing vehicles, it is possible to automate data collection without using additional vehicles”, explains Uljana Rensalu of FinEst, meaning quicker fixes, fewer errors, and lower costs.

Meanwhile, in Limerick, Ireland’s National Transport Authority is launching TFI Anseo, a demand-responsive bus service operating like a rideshare but at public-transport prices. Since 13 October 2025, residents in Corbally, Mill Road, and Rhebogue can book on-demand trips anywhere within the zone via an app, with most fares costing €3 or less.

What links these two pilots is a smarter use of existing assets. Tallinn’s buses double as mobile inspectors so that traffic managers can quickly respond to issues. In Limerick, buses adapt to passengers’ needs in real time, offering more flexible, efficient mobility for car-dependent areas. Both example show how digital tools can unlock new value from familiar public transport.

Author: Anna Vasilenka

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.