Public transport drivers face rising aggressive behaviour from passengers

Public transport drivers across Finland are increasingly encountering disruptive and aggressive behaviour from passengers, with cities like Lahti considering emergency alert buttons and evening security patrols, reports Yle.

The most common incidents involve intoxicated individuals causing disturbances or attempting to travel without a ticket. In Lahti, drivers describe route 11 as one of the most unsafe.

Helsinki relies on security monitoring
Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) considers public transport in the capital region generally safe, though drivers have clear protocols for handling disruptions. Security expert Janne Lohilahti said incidents can be reported to a security monitoring centre, with additional enforcement deployed if needed.

Last year, HSL recorded fewer than two reports per million passenger trips—out of 381 million total journeys. While drivers have the legal right to remove disruptive passengers, HSL leaves physical intervention to trained security personnel.

Turku uses alert buttons and protective cabins
Disorderly conduct and vandalism have increased over the past decade in Turku, according to Föli transport planner Lauri Jorasmaa. Incidents often occur near care facilities or on school routes.

Föli buses are equipped with emergency alert buttons linked to the ticketing system. During the pandemic, protective plexiglass cabins were also installed around driver seats—a measure already under consideration before COVID-19, noted Föli CEO Juha Parkkonen. Most conflicts arise from fare disputes, though violence remains rare.

Oulu reports more aggressive intoxicated passengers
Oulu sees a few disruptive incidents monthly, with a notable phone robbery last year, said city transport chief Helena Väliaho. Intoxicated individuals—often under the influence of drugs—are the primary concern, with behaviour growing more aggressive than before.

Disturbances are frequent on routes serving Rusko, home to Oulu’s main police station. Unlike Turku, Oulu has not implemented alert buttons, though discussions continue.