Broken AC units led Halifax bus drivers to refuse work during heat wave, says union
Unreliable air conditioning on Halifax Transit buses has been causing major issues for drivers this summer, leading to headaches and heat exhaustion as temperatures rise. The Amalgamated Transit Union representing these workers has raised concerns over the ongoing problem of broken AC units, which have been exacerbated by the recent heat wave.
According to Patricio Garcia, president of the local transit union, as many as 50 to 60 per cent of Halifax’s buses have experienced issues with their air conditioning systems this summer. This has resulted in some drivers refusing to operate buses on hot days, while others have had to take longer breaks to cool off in air-conditioned terminals, leading to delays in service.
The union has brought these concerns to Halifax Transit’s fleet director, who has promised to address the issue. However, significant improvements may not be implemented until next summer. Patricia Hughes, director of planning for Halifax Transit, mentioned that standby buses have been filling in for any disruptions on routes due to work refusals.
In addition to the AC issues, Halifax Transit has been facing challenges with on-time performance for buses, which has fallen for the fourth consecutive year to 71 per cent. The city has a benchmark of 85 per cent, which has not been met since 2020-21. Hughes attributed the delays to increasing congestion on the roads and announced plans for a service reliability analysis to identify and address delays.
The city is also seeking public input on a new service plan for 2025-27, which may include new routes. A survey is available on the city’s website until Sept. 28, and pop-up events will be held at various terminals to gather feedback from riders.
Overall, the issues with air conditioning and on-time performance highlight the need for improvements in Halifax’s public transit system to ensure a safe and reliable experience for both drivers and passengers.
