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National Express bus drivers report unbearable heat on the job

Drivers described cab temperatures reaching 40C, citing weak air conditioning and warning that fatigue and passenger health risks increase during extreme heatwaves.

Reported · Written up by our desk · North America

National Express bus drivers in the West Midlands say heatwaves have made working conditions on their routes “unbearable,” with temperatures reaching around 40C inside their vehicles, according to the Guardian Business.

Drivers criticized the lack of adequate air conditioning, saying the heat threatens the safety of both employees and passengers. They also linked the conditions to exhaustion and reduced ability to maintain concentration while driving a 12-tonne bus.

The UK has seen multiple consecutive heatwaves, with the Met Office warning that climate extremes are becoming the “new normal.” Drivers said passengers have even passed out on buses during the worst conditions.

The reporting highlights that UK lawmakers and local officials are weighing responses, including a Green MP plan to introduce a bill for a maximum workplace temperature and a pledge from London Mayor Sadiq Khan to support bus drivers during heatwaves.

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