TALLINN — The Russian government rescinded restrictions on how Estonian bus companies operate in Russia, now allowing empty buses as well as those full of tourist to cross into the east.

Two years ago, Russia ceased issuing permits that allowed Estonian companies to take empty buses to Russia to bring a group to Estonia, requiring that all tourist buses return with their original cargo.

Tarvi Viks, an Association of Estonian International Road Carriers spokesman said the change occurred after intense lobbying by the Estonian economy ministry with the Russian transport ministry.

“Probably Russia understood that with such a number of tourists being transported by buses between Estonia and Russia it is not enough permitting only those haulage set in the contract,” Viks told Baltic Reports.

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