Bus drivers and passengers in Manchester have spoken of 'feeling unwell' on Bee Network vehicles because of a lack of air conditioning. One driver said on Thursday that he 'made mistakes' while driving in the 34C heat and nearly had to pull over, while a passenger said he 'felt sick' and had to get off the bus before his stop.
Drivers and passengers affected
Bee Network drivers at Piccadilly bus station in the city centre were seen with mini fans set up in their cabin in a desperate bid to keep cool. It comes as calls are getting louder for better air conditioning on board Bee Network-branded vehicles, especially during summer when temperatures are high.
Sam Sia, 28, is a regular bus passenger on the Bee Network's 111 service. “It's 35 degrees today but it feels like 40 when you're on the bus, it's like being in a greenhouse,” he said. “It seems to have air conditioning but it doesn't cool things down enough, so people started opening the windows.”
Passenger struggles in June heatwave
Sam said he has struggled on the bus during his 30-minute journey. He also struggled during the previous heatwave in June, when temperatures in Greater Manchester rose above 30 degrees for three days in a row. Sam added: “In June I had to get off the bus early to get a drink, and I felt sick for three hours afterwards. I had to take time to get cool and rest. “It does put you off taking public transport when it's like that, they really have to change their air conditioning system.”
Drivers speak out
Bee Network drivers said they find it 'difficult' working when temperatures rise due to the lack of air conditioning. A driver on the 111, who asked not to be named, said: “The new electric buses are good, you can't fault them, but the old ones aren't though, it's like a sauna. You feel sorry for the guys driving those. “It got to a point yesterday where I nearly had to get off my bus and finish driving because it was so hot. I could feel I was making mistakes because of the heat near the end of my shift. “You've got to know your limits in this weather.”
A driver on the 143 added: “There will come a point where something is going to happen to someone on a bus due to the heat. “In the last five years the heat in summer has gotten worse.”
Response from transport bosses
Drivers and passengers also spoke out about the problem in June, prompting Transport for Greater Manchester to urge passengers to 'carry water, avoid the hottest parts of the day where possible, and wear suitable clothing.' It's understood that transport bosses will investigate any air conditioning concerns reported to it, and that it is working with operators over driver welfare.
Nick Fairclough, TfGM's interim deputy director of bus, 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. “During extreme heat, as we have seen this week and throughout the summer, temperatures onboard buses are inevitably higher than normal. We would continue to encourage passengers to carry water, avoid travelling during the hottest parts of the day where possible and wear suitable clothing. “Our zero-emission buses have heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) systems installed to help regulate temperatures. We'd encourage any drivers struggling, feeling unwell or who have concerns about HVAC systems on their vehicle to raise concerns with their manager.”
