Lahti bus drivers face daily threats on city’s most dangerous route

Bus drivers on Lahti’s route 11 describe a working environment marked by constant harassment, verbal abuse, and physical threats, with many fearing for their safety, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The line, which runs from central Lahti through Nastola to Pajulahti and Kytölä, is widely considered one of the region’s most troubled. Drivers report aggressive behaviour from passengers—including fare evasion, refusal to leave the bus, and deliberate obstruction—with incidents occurring almost daily.

“People no longer respect others’ workplaces or property,” said Tuija Tahvanainen, a driver and local union representative. She described how passengers regularly jump on seats, damage fittings, and create disturbances, forcing drivers to decide whether intervening is safe.

Tahvanainen, who often works evening and night shifts, admitted reconsidering her approach: “I’ve had to think twice about whether I dare kick someone off the bus for misbehaving.” Yet she insists on acting: “I step in, even if it means getting hit. My principle is that everyone I drive gets home safely.”

Violence and vandalism escalate Last year saw two serious incidents: one driver was robbed mid-route, while another was assaulted after refusing free rides to a group of young men. Tahvanainen has personally faced damaged protective screens and verbal threats, though she has so far avoided physical harm.

Joonas Pio, traffic supervisor at Vekka Group—one of the operators on route 11—confirmed the line’s reputation as the most problematic in their network. “This route has weekly issues. Others see disturbances far less often,” he said, attributing the pattern to socioeconomic challenges in the areas it serves.

Safety measures fall short Lahti city plans to install emergency buttons in 50 of its ~100 buses, allowing drivers to summon security in threatening situations. Tahvanainen called the scope insufficient: “With two companies running these lines, 50 buttons won’t go far once they’re divided up.”

Passengers like Henna Sihvonen and Susanna Teräväinen, who rely on the route with strollers, reported witnessing disruptions “in two or three out of every five trips.” Most incidents involve shouting or defiance toward drivers, though some passengers refuse to exit when asked.

The city is also considering mobile security guards for select evening and weekend shifts. However, drivers emphasize that fear remains part of every shift—especially at isolated terminals where help may not be nearby.