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 According to a national transport survey, men use public transport less than women. Children, teenagers, and women of all ages use public transport regularly. Oulu bus service Koskilinja’s traffic chief Mika Paakkari was quick to confirm the results of the survey. “Most of our passengers aren’t men.”
The survey also stated that in a one-car family, the man usually drove the car – a finding that Paakkari agreed with. “Seems that traditionally, the man of the house uses the ‘number one’ or only car, and women have to find other ways to get about,” he remarked. Obviously, continued Paakkari, Koskilinja serves both sexes for the same price. He sees no reason to woo male customers with extra advertising, and somewhat circularly trusts that "our planners can provide services to tempt any customer, be they man or woman." The accusation that buses are, perhaps, not masculine enough enrages Paakkari. “Riding in a big vehicle in the midst of other traffic is damn masculine.” Another speculation, that men find buying tickets too difficult, receives a thumbs down. “It’s just as difficult for women and young people! Are we really discussing whether men are as smart as women?” Female bus driver Sinikka Jääskela points out that, previously, men travelled on buses every Wednesday and Saturday. “The ride was good enough when men were out on the town,” she states, and predicts that more men will use buses as petrol prices increase. On his day off, male bus driver Kari Oikarinen confirms that he does in fact travel by bus in his spare time. “You don’t need to worry about where to park.” Oikarinen also assumes that men travel by car and the woman by bus, though he won’t speculate why. Regular male bus passenger Sami Kettunen blames image concerns. “It’s the tradition,” he comments. “I live in Tuira, and don’t need a car. In summer I cycle and in winter use a bus. Tuira’s well connected, this is cost-effective, and rush hour goes like the breeze.” (Kaleva)
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