London buses Are far too Hot

iSon · Tue 28 Sep, 2004 23.54

After using the London bus network extensively over the past few days...(Some of my trips include jaunts to Islington, South Kensington and Sloane Square) but it was during today's journey I made from Elephant & Castle to Battersea Park that I realised that London buses ARE FAR TOO HOT!

Not even the cool, calm and collected nature of the bus driver on this 344 could save me and other passenger sweltering on this bus. But just why is it? I think something should be done about it. Does anyone know if there's anybody I can rely on support from?

Extending my point further - on a trip on the tube yesterday from Oxford Circus to Victoria I was extremely warm. Only a short trip but I felt myself feeling rather uncomfortable on the train...even though I was dressed correctly for the conditions and occassion.

Also I have found myself reaching for the handkerchief on many a District line trains to Embankment. I found myself similarly uncomfortable on an overland Southern Railway's train from Victoria to Battersea Park. Just why is London transport so HOT!?

I intend to fully investage the DLR, tram link and river boat services to see if the unbearable conditions are common across all modes of transport in London.

I thank you.

Brad · Wed 29 Sep, 2004 00.43

Isonstine wrote:Also I have found myself reaching for the handkerchief on many a District line trains to Embankment.

Well, I won't go asking what you get up to in a locked toilet on board a train!

Seriously though, I was in London a few weeks ago and understandably found the Underground far too hot. But it seems to be the same nationwide, bus-wise. First Buses in York frequently have the heaters on in July and off in January!

DJGM · Wed 29 Sep, 2004 18.46

Having we previously discussed the issue about London Buses being too hot? Hang on, I'll just check . . .

Spends a few minutes looking through old threads . . .

Ah yes, I thought so! Here it is . . . !

iSon · Wed 29 Sep, 2004 18.53

Well it happens to be an issue that I feel VERY strongly about.

Gavin Scott · Wed 29 Sep, 2004 19.06

I was on a green line bus from Luton Airport to London Victoria a couple of weekends ago and it was painfully hot. I'd packed my jacket in my hand luggage as I knew I wouldn't need it, but even then the sweat was pouring off me.

I asked the driver to put the air-con on but he told me, "It uses too much petrol so they don't let me". I ended up popping open one of the ceiling windows which caused a gale force draught in the back of the bus all the way into London.