Vandalism surges on Mikkeli local buses

Mikkeli’s local buses have seen a sharp rise in vandalism this summer, with seats slashed, stolen, and defaced with graffiti, Yle reports.

Since Savonlinja Oy took over operations in early June, the company has received steady complaints about damaged seats and markings. Regional manager Jari Pajunen said seats have been cut, parts removed, and walls scrawled on with markers. The perpetrators are believed to be local youth.

Most buses already have surveillance cameras, and more are being installed. Pajunen called the situation unacceptable, noting that without cameras, the problem would persist. One vandal is likely to be identified after damaging a seat directly beneath a camera. Footage may be handed to police if needed.

The vandalism disrupts service for other passengers and drivers, who must spend time managing unruly behavior. Incidents are concentrated on routes serving Savisilla and Suonsaari.

Misuse of the Waltti travel card has also been reported, with groups sharing a single card.

Mikkeli has offered free local bus travel for primary school students for nearly a decade. The city recently extended the policy for another year, but officials are now reconsidering. Replacing a seat cushion costs about €50, while removing graffiti runs €60 per instance.

“If this continues, we may have to advise the city to end free travel,” Pajunen said. City traffic engineer Suvi Lipsanen added that authorities are exploring ways to curb the behavior, including potential limits on free travel eligibility.