Helsinki bus stop destroyed four times in crashes due to bus design flaw

A single bus stop in Helsinki’s Kivihaa district has been demolished in four separate collisions over the past 18 months, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports. The repeated damage stems from a design issue with articulated buses making tight turns.

The stop at Hakamäenkuja has been struck each time by the rear section of a bus swinging outward during sharp left turns—a phenomenon known as “rear overhang,” according to Elina Valtia, CEO of JCDecaux Finland, the company responsible for the city’s bus shelters. The overhang can extend up to 1.5 metres, posing risks to bystanders.

“There is a real danger to people using the stop or anyone nearby,” Valtia warned. The company has already replaced the shelter with a narrower model to mitigate the issue. If collisions persist, the shelter may be removed entirely, leaving only a pole.

While the Hakamäenkuja stop is unusual for its crash frequency, vandalism remains the primary cause of damage to Helsinki’s 1,500 bus shelters. JCDecaux recycles 40,000 kilograms of broken shelter glass annually nationwide, with vandalism peaking during warm summer weekends—sometimes exceeding 50 incidents in a single weekend. Graffiti and shattered glass, hazardous to pedestrians and animals, require constant cleanup.

All repair costs are covered by advertising revenue. JCDecaux maintains the shelters free of charge for cities in exchange for exclusive ad sales rights. The company operates 4,300 shelters across Finland, with vandalism rates significantly higher in the capital region than elsewhere.

Valtia noted that delayed repairs can escalate vandalism. “We sweep up glass shards, fix run-over shelters, replace glass, and rebuild—our maintenance operation is massive and ongoing,” she said.