Bus drivers in the West Midlands have spoken out about the 'horrendous' working conditions during heatwaves, with cab temperatures reaching 40°C. Three drivers, each with over 20 years of service at National Express, described the conditions as 'unbearable' and criticised the lack of adequate air conditioning, raising concerns for both employee and passenger safety.
Drivers describe extreme heat
One driver said: 'You're sweating down your back, your face … it's just been terrible, it's just been too hot. Some drivers will carry on and you can see that they're exhausted. They're not sleeping at night because of the heat and they're coming to work the next day, expected to maintain massive concentration driving a 12-tonne vehicle.' Another driver added: 'It's like you've wet yourself. Your shirt is wringing wet. We've even had passengers pass out on the bus.'
The UK experienced three successive heatwaves, with temperatures topping 37°C last month, recording the hottest ever June day. The Met Office has warned that climate extremes are becoming the 'new normal' for the UK.
Union and political response
Unite, the union representing National Express drivers, said the high temperatures in cabs are compounded by glass windows that trap heat, creating a 'greenhouse effect'. General Secretary Sharon Graham stated: 'Bus drivers have been left sweltering during heatwaves, risking their own health and that of their passengers. We know that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, but this fact seems to take the bus operators by complete surprise every year. Bus firms must stop putting profits before people and act now.'
Unite has provided drivers with a letter to show employers when conditions become too hot, highlighting their legal right to stop work for safety reasons. The letter states: 'To confirm, the reason for my decision is the condition/lack of an adequate, working cooling system on the bus I am being expected to drive in the current extreme heat. I am not refusing to work today.'
Green MP Hannah Spencer has announced plans to introduce a bill for a maximum workplace temperature. London Mayor Sadiq Khan pledged further support for bus drivers during heatwaves in June. The new prime minister, Andy Burnham, who brought buses in Manchester under local public control, is expected to focus on transforming public transport infrastructure.
National Express response
Drivers said they were granted additional 30-minute breaks to cope with the heat, but many were unaware of this and feared impacts on pay and service delays. One driver criticised National Express, believing the company is not taking concerns seriously: 'I think they'll only take it seriously if someone passed out at the wheel.'
A National Express spokesperson said the recent weather conditions were 'unprecedented' and thanked drivers for 'keeping the region moving'. They added: 'We recognise that bus driving in the kind of extreme heat experienced recently can be very unpleasant.' The spokesperson noted that all new electric vehicles have air conditioning, but retrofitting older buses was not cost-effective given the UK's historically mild climate. 'However, if recent weather conditions become the norm, this may need to be reviewed.' They confirmed that extra breaks and free water are provided, and drivers are encouraged to take precautions to stay hydrated and safe.
