Edmontonian’s sweat it out on buses with no AC

With temperatures reaching record highs in Edmonton, commuters taking buses are sweating it out as a majority of Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) buses are not equipped with full air conditioning.

Commuters at the Southgate transit centre were seen carrying portable fans to cool off.

Trevor Dennehy, Director of LRT Operations and Maintenance, Edmonton Transit Service, City of Edmonton said, “About 40 per cent of conventional ETS buses are equipped with full air conditioning for operators and riders, with the remaining buses having been retrofitted to provide air conditioning for only the operator compartment. As we replace older buses in our fleet, the number of buses with a full air conditioning system will increase. All DATS paratransit vehicles have full air conditioning.”

“The ETS should keep the buses nice and cool for the customers, while the window is open, it still is hot. Sometimes, I have to take two buses, and there is no respite from heat,” said a commuter.

However, the newer LRT fleet is equipped with full air conditioning. The buses and LRT cars with full air conditioning are prioritized for service as much as possible during extreme heat to improve rider and operator comfort, ETS stated.

“Currently, two-thirds of the LRT fleet have air conditioning.  We are in the early stages of procurement replacement cars for our older LRT fleet which doesn’t have air conditioning.  Once this older fleet is replaced, all LRT trains will have air conditioning,” Dennehy added.

Environment Canada stated that they measure the temperature in the shade, which means it is hotter in the sun.

Another commuter said, “Take the transit only if you must. Stay hydrated and dress according to the weather.”