During a sweltering heatwave in Manchester, bus drivers and passengers on the Bee Network are enduring temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius inside vehicles, with air conditioning either broken or unavailable. A driver at Piccadilly bus station, whose yellow Bee Network-branded bus has non-functional air conditioning that has been broken 'for ages,' described the conditions as 'actually hotter than a glasshouse.' He said, 'It’s really difficult to do your job properly in heat like this.'
Drivers and passengers describe 'unbearable' conditions
Another driver, preparing for a four-hour shift, said, 'I’m sitting here in a puddle of my own sweat.' He added that while efforts are being made to introduce buses with air conditioning, the current situation is extremely challenging. Passengers echoed these sentiments. Phillip Wadley, 56, who traveled on the number 250 service from Hulme to Manchester, said, 'The windows were open, but it was still very hot. For elderly people or kids, I would say it feels unsafe, 100 per cent.'
Tram passengers also faced extreme heat. Barbara Haynes, 60, and John Ogle, 61, reported 'buckets of sweat' after a journey to Bury. Barbara said, 'There’s no air conditioning on the tram we were on. You just feel sick sitting there in that heat.' John, 72, described looking 'like a red cherry' after getting off the tram, adding, 'There needs to be more improvements to the air conditioning and ventilation on public transport.'
Temperature readings confirm extreme heat on board
The Local Democracy Reporting Service measured temperatures on a bus and tram with a thermometer. Outside a bus, the reading was around 32 degrees Celsius, but after a few minutes inside, it climbed to nearly 36 degrees. On a Metrolink tram from St Peter’s Square to East Didsbury, temperatures exceeded 35 degrees within minutes. These readings underscore the severity of the heat, which drivers said can feel like 40 degrees inside the vehicles.
Transport for Greater Manchester responds
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) stated that zero-emission buses have air conditioning in the driver’s cab, and Metrolink driver cabs also have AC. On older buses, cab fans and side blinds have been installed. In response to the heat, the Bee Network relaxed uniform requirements for drivers, allowing thinner and looser clothing, and reminded operators to enforce hot weather plans. Drivers feeling unwell are advised to stop and rehydrate. Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said, 'We understand it is difficult travelling and working in these conditions, and we are doing all we can to make it more comfortable for staff and passengers on the Bee Network. Extreme heat means temperatures onboard are inevitably higher than normal. We encourage passengers to carry water, avoid the hottest parts of the day where possible and wear suitable clothing.'
Calls for long-term improvements
Passengers and drivers alike are calling for systemic improvements, such as installing air conditioning on all buses and trams. With temperatures expected to remain high, the issue highlights the need for better climate control on public transport to ensure safety and comfort for all users.
