Hot weather

[Stu]

Just been amusing myself with some comments on the Network West Midlands Facebook page:

Why can't the bus drivers turn the heaters off on the buses???

Network West Midlands hows about not having the heating on in this weather on your buses, ridiculous.

I'm pretty sure that no buses are running around with saloon heating still on, and if not, then that's pretty bad.

But I'm also pretty sure that as our buses don't have air-con, the ventilation system just recirculates the air already inside the bus. So naturally, the air coming out the vents will feel warm, because, you know, the air is warm. And yeah, all the windows are open, so all the warm air from outside is getting in.

I'm convinced that the vast majority of ill-informed bus users think that buses are magic, ie they can slip through stand-still traffic and remain on time, and can be cool as a fridge when the weather outside is really hot.

[j789]

On occasions when the bus I have been driving has been close to overheating, the engineers have advised turning the heating on as it actually cools the bus engine down. I know not the best for passengers but better than a breakdown. I remember our Volvo Eclipses (66975-66989) being particularly susceptible to overheating on the 144 going up Rubery bypass. The enviros on the other hand never seem to overheat.

[RobQuinton]

Thing is Metrobuses and Fleetlines had larger windows including the ones at the top front of the upper deck which allowed cool air to circulate, whereas modern buses have fewer narrow slit like windows. I am sure the Metrobuses were modified to have more opening windows over time. How about NXWM doing the same thing or even better specifying that all windows must be openable?

[j789]

Thing is Metrobuses and Fleetlines had larger windows including the ones at the top front of the upper deck which allowed cool air to circulate, whereas modern buses have fewer narrow slit like windows. I am sure the Metrobuses were modified to have more opening windows over time. How about NXWM doing the same thing or even better specifying that all windows must be openable?

A lot of the Metrobuses had their front opening windows removed in later life and replaced with plain glass, to strengthen the roof front I think. Always wondered though why West Midlands never went for the Leyland National style opening windows. surely let more air in and out than the slit windows in Fleetlines, Metros and modern vehicles.

[monkeyjoe]

It's going mad on twitter about the new London route masters being like saunas what are the new brum buses like. Thank god I don't have to use the bus these days all that plastic and engine heat downstairs at the back ;)

[GeminiFan1991]

The warm air doesnt bother me as much, its sitting by a window and then the sun hits you full force

[BU07 LGO]

I had a passenger Wednesday as he was getting off he said, "driver, this is 2015 and we are in the united kingdom! Where on earth is the AC!"

[monkeyjoe]

I had a passenger Wednesday as he was getting off he said, "driver, this is 2015 and we are in the united kingdom! Where on earth is the AC!"

Fair point, most modern cars have it, but the again I never use it costs a fortune in petrol consumption. Also to be fair how often do we have these mad bursts to justify the cost.

Do the Platinums buses have it?

[MW]

I've always thought the Premier Enviros had air conditioning?

[BU07 LGO]

The platinums don't have it :( the leather enviros had it but most have been disconnected. 4765 was blowing warm air out even on cold. I know one driver that refused to drive it!

[Stu]

Air conditioning would be useless anyway, as passengers would keep opening all the windows!

[PM]

Air conditioning would be useless anyway, as passengers would keep opening all the windows!

GNE Citaros have it and are fantastic in the summer. The windows lock shut automatically when aircon is on

[Tiptonian]

The windows lock shut automatically when aircon is on

....but someone keeps opening the front door!

The problem with air conditioning in a bus is that it is a one size fits all, and just having opening windows is indiscriminate. An overheating passenger on a not-so-hot day will naturally open the window directly above them, causing everyone opposite and behind to freeze while the original sufferer sitting beneath the window is untouched by the breeze and remains unrefreshed. Yes, I am afraid the whole subject needs a rethink.

The only thing I can think of is to adapt the forced air ventilation method used on coaches in pre air conditioning times. This allowed passengers to adjust their own individual settings, with a lower weight, complication and cost penalty than full air conditioning. and by the 1980s, they were working quite well. How the air is funneled in the front section of a low-floor single decker I will leave for someone else to work out.

[PM]

....but someone keeps opening the front door!

The problem with air conditioning in a bus is that it is a one size fits all, and just having opening windows is indiscriminate. An overheating passenger on a not-so-hot day will naturally open the window directly above them, causing everyone opposite and behind to freeze while the original sufferer sitting beneath the window is untouched by the breeze and remains unrefreshed. Yes, I am afraid the whole subject needs a rethink.

The only thing I can think of is to adapt the forced air ventilation method used on coaches in pre air conditioning times. This allowed passengers to adjust their own individual settings, with a lower weight, complication and cost penalty than full air conditioning. and by the 1980s, they were working quite well. How the air is funneled in the front section of a low-floor single decker I will leave for someone else to work out.

I still think aircon is the solution. Most buses in Europe now have it, granted some of those places are hotter, some similar. I don't like how buses steamed up in the winter and freezing cold miraculously gain roasting hot heating come the summer?! I agree it needs a rethink, Wrightbus products as per usual seem pretty good, b7rle's are rarely steamed up and have good air flow in the summer. Omnilinks were always nice and cool on the X62 as well!!