Border crossing operators face collapse as traffic and revenues plummet

Operators managing waiting areas at the Koidula and Luhamaa border crossings are struggling financially. The drop in border traffic has left them with shrinking revenues and rising costs. Without changes, some may be forced to abandon their services entirely. The current system was built for far heavier traffic than today’s levels. Operators earn money based on the number of vehicles using their waiting areas, but fewer cars and lorries now pass through. Their income has fallen sharply as a result.

Marginal service fees at these crossings have not been updated in around 15 years. The Interior Ministry is now weighing several options to ease the pressure. One proposal involves temporary state funding to keep the operators afloat. Another suggests raising service charges to reflect current costs.

Cutting back on services is also on the table. However, local municipalities worry that if operators pull out, no one will manage the crossings at all. No final decision has yet been made on how to resolve the financial strain. The ministry continues to review possible measures, including subsidies, fee increases, or reduced service levels. The outcome will determine whether these border crossings can remain fully operational.