Request ID: FOI-1275-2425 Date published: 30 July 2024
You asked
Conditions on the 248 bus that services Havering are extremely uncomfortable in the hot weather. I have been told that the air cooling system on this model of buses does not work when the external temperatures go beyond 27 degrees. I would like to know if this is true and what actions have been/will be taken in future to make these bus journeys more comfortable in the hot weather. I would also like to know of heat-related health and safety concerns raised by drivers of these buses. Thank you.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1275-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 19th July 2024 asking for information about temperature control on route master buses. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Conditions on the 248 bus that services Havering are extremely uncomfortable in the hot weather. I have been told that the air cooling system on this model of buses does not work when the external temperatures go beyond 27 degrees. I would like to know if this is true and what actions have been/will be taken in future to make these bus journeys more comfortable in the hot weather. I would also like to know of heat-related health and safety concerns raised by drivers of these buses.”
I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
The air cooling system on route master buses does continue to work with outside temperatures of 27 degrees - there may, however, be an issue with performance if temperatures reach 40 degrees. We have conducted a passenger thermal comfort study and have found that the temperature differential between outside and inside is more important than the absolute values. We will continue to improve passenger thermal comfort on vehicles as battery technology develops.
With regard to your last question, note that bus services in London are provided by private operators under contract with TfL. Those private companies employ their drivers directly, and if drivers had concerns to raise they would do so with their employer rather than TfL.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
