Surge in e-cigarette use causes concern among bus drivers in Finland

In recent years, the number of passengers using e-cigarettes on buses has surged dramatically, according to Jarkko Salonen, a bus driver from Tampere with 17 years of professional experience. Recently returned from vacation, Salonen recalls having to remove two teenage girls who were competing to vape at the back of the bus just a week ago.

He notes that drivers are instructed to act decisively when passengers misbehave. Salonen states he doesn’t issue warnings; instead, he removes offenders immediately. “The smoke that drifts into the passenger area is definitely not healthy,” he adds.

Pasi Ritokoski from the transport workers’ union notes this issue is prevalent throughout Finland. Similar to traditional smoking regulations, passengers are removed from the bus if they do not cease vaping upon request. Ritokoski points out that while in Helsinki passengers often intervene, this is not the case elsewhere.

Most e-cigarette users are young, but adults are also occasionally seen vaping, often in less discreet ways. According to Salonen, while adult offenders are rarer, young adults are more likely to vape during evening outings. He perceives this behavior as thoughtless and sometimes as provocation against the driver.

Passengers, including Soila Purma, often observe vaping without intervening, indicating a reluctance to address the issue directly. Others, like Emilia Kallio, recognize the danger but note that e-cigarette smoke is less bothersome than traditional tobacco.

Although signage prohibiting smoking is present at bus stops, Salonen emphasizes the need for clearer communication about smoking regulations, as some passengers continue to smoke up until their bus arrives, leaving the bus interiors smelling like a smoke-filled room.