TfL Ref: 0986-1819

Thank you for your email received by us on 8 July 2018 asking for information about air conditioning on London Buses.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:

Is there a TfL requirement for London bus operators that air conditioning unit must be working in the cab and in or around passenger seating.

London's bus drivers play a vital role in keeping our city moving. Almost all London buses now have air-conditioned driver cabs, and Transport for London (TfL) has written to all London's bus operators about ensuring air conditioning systems are working as they should.
Are there any risk assessments for hot buses and what bus drivers must do in the event when e temperatures are exceeding 28 degrees inside and out?

Any air-conditioning units not working at full capacity should be reported by drivers as part of their vehicle condition checks, which take place before any bus goes into service. These enable garage engineers to inspect faults without delay and carry out additional maintenance if necessary.
TfL will be checking with the bus operators how driver cab ventilation and air conditioning issues are picked up and equipment is serviced, as drivers should of course be working in a comfortable environment. Bus drivers can also report any technical issues as part of their initial check of the vehicle before they begin their shift to highlight areas for engineers to look into without delay

Is the bus driver allowed to come out of the cab to get fresh air for health and safety reasons as s/he might not be comfortable to safely continue in hot weather? Is there a time limit?

There isn’t a time limit and we try to ensure all driver cabs have working air conditioning to make them reasonably comfortable and as drivers can report any issues with a bus before they start their shift. The cab also has opening windows to assist with air flow although this can counter the benefits of the cooling system. If a driver felt unwell, we have a 24/7 control room to provide guidance for urgent and non-urgent calls, which could include summoning assistance.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Yours sincerely

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London