Halifax Transit Drivers struggling with Temps, Error AC

Rising Temperatures Pose Challenges for Halifax Transit Workers

It is no secret that the temperature is on the rise, with heat waves and forest fires becoming more common. The effects of this warming climate are being felt in every aspect of life, including public transportation.

Challenges with Air Conditioning

Patricio Garcia, president of Atu Local 508 representing Halifax Transit Workers, recently discussed the challenges faced by transit operators due to rising temperatures. He mentioned that some bus drivers have even had to be transported to hospitals in ambulances due to the extreme heat.

Garcia explained, “As the temperature continues to rise each year, air conditioning becomes more of a problem for us.” While Halifax buses are equipped with air conditioning units, many are facing issues that lead to little to no relief for drivers and passengers.

According to Garcia, older buses like the Flyer models are struggling to keep up with the demand for air conditioning, leading to breakdowns and discomfort for those on board. Even newer buses, such as the Nova fleet, are experiencing frequent issues with their air conditioning units.

Efforts to Address the Problem

Robert Gerus, executive director of Halifax Transit, acknowledged the concerns raised by Garcia and emphasized that employee safety is a top priority for the organization. While 80 percent of the transit fleet has functioning air conditioning, daily challenges persist.

Work on the AC units is outsourced, with efforts to improve the situation starting as early as January this year. Gerus reassured that resolving these issues is a priority, with plans to address most of the problems by next year.

When a bus is deemed defective or in need of maintenance, Gerus explained that they try to take it out of service. However, if there is a capacity issue, the bus may still be used for certain routes to ensure service continuity.

Operator Health Concerns

Garcia highlighted the health risks faced by bus drivers, including headaches and heat exhaustion, as a result of inadequate air conditioning. He mentioned instances where drivers had to be treated by paramedics due to the extreme temperatures inside the buses.

While passengers may blame drivers for the uncomfortable conditions, Garcia clarified that operators have no control over the cooling settings, as it is a simple on/off switch. He emphasized that operator well-being is a priority and urged for swift action to address the air conditioning issues.

Gerus noted that while there have been heat-related incidents involving operators, steps are being taken to address the root cause and improve working conditions for transit employees.