Arctic Cold Snarls Mikkeli Buses, Forces Backup Fleet Use

Extreme cold weather in Mikkeli has disrupted local bus operations, forcing transit officials to repeatedly deploy backup vehicles. According to Esa Murtonen, traffic manager at Soisalo Transport, diesel-powered buses are particularly vulnerable in arctic conditions. The main issue stems from malfunctioning AdBlue systems, which fail to operate properly in freezing temperatures. Murtonen explained that on Friday morning alone, one of the three reserve buses had to be urgently dispatched from the Mikkeli depot to maintain scheduled routes. This is not an isolated incident, backup vehicles have been needed on multiple occasions during this cold spell. The AdBlue system is designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in diesel engines by injecting a urea-based solution into the exhaust stream. In extremely low temperatures, this system can freeze or otherwise malfunction, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Regular service continuity is compromised without preventive measures. Soisalo Transport continues to monitor the situation closely as winter conditions persist across the region. Finnish public transport networks, especially in eastern municipalities like Mikkeli, face recurring challenges during severe cold snaps. Officials emphasize that vehicle reliability remains a top priority for maintaining dependable commuter services under extreme weather. The repeated need for reserve buses highlights the operational strain caused by arctic conditions on standard diesel bus technology.