Chatham-Kent has already experienced multiple heat waves this summer, with more on the way.
As people look to beat the heat, or dodge it as best they can as they move around in Chatham, CKTransit users can find it a challenge on the buses at times.
Jeff Hagan, manager of transportation, infrastructure and engineering services, said there are a host of issues that can lead to a transit bus feeling more like a sauna, and it’s not due to any lack of air conditioning.
“All of our buses do have air conditioning. Maintaining that air conditioning is part of the regular maintenance,” he said.
However, the problems arrive with open portals – the doors and windows.
“With a large door opening frequently, you can’t not let in hot air,” Hagan said. “When there’s a humidex of 40 out there and you’re opening the doors, there’s only so much we can do.”
With many buses having windows that open, riders can actually add to the problem.
“Sometime, riders will open a window and that makes things worse,” Hagan said.
Bus drivers try to keep an eye on such things, but their first priority is on driving.
CKTransit buses log a lot of kilometres, and most are rotated through the various operations the service offers, be it specialized transit, interurban or on Chatham-only routes. However, one van is geared up for specialized transit use only, and the larger buses are for Chatham routes.
Hagen said the municipality appreciates feedback from users.
“Rider comfort and how people feel about the service is always important to us. We try to make the riders as comfortable as possible,” he said.
