Oulu bus drivers finally to receive restroom facilities as public transportation committee approves service provider

The long-standing struggle of bus drivers in Oulu to secure restroom facilities has reached a resolution. On Wednesday, the city’s public transportation committee selected a service provider for the much-needed restrooms. With this unanimous decision, bus drivers can finally access the long-awaited facilities starting in November.

Joni Meriläinen, chairman of the committee, expressed his joy and relief over the decision, noting the significant impact it will have on drivers. “I know this will literally bring great relief to the drivers. At times, it seemed quite desperate, but thankfully, it has ended on a positive note.”

The next step involves ordering the restroom units, with the first units expected to be installed throughout November. Initially, 12 restroom units will be established, with plans to increase this number as needed in the coming years.

Currently, necessary infrastructure has not yet been built for the units. To address this, lightweight, temporary restroom facilities will be set up in certain locations. These will be replaced next year with heated and illuminated restrooms that require a numerical code for access.

According to the committee’s proposal, Haurun Jätehuolto Oy has been approved as the provider for the bus drivers’ restroom facilities and sanitation services. The contract will commence in November and last for five years.

The discussions around funding the restroom facilities have been ongoing for some time. This winter, attention was drawn to a temporary “outhouse” made of snow used by drivers at Linnanmaa, highlighting the urgency of the situation.