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‘My shirt is wringing wet’: National Express bus drivers speak out about 40C conditions during heatwaves

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Bus drivers in the West Midlands reported unbearable working conditions due to extreme heat in their cabs during recent heatwaves.
  • Drivers criticized the lack of adequate air conditioning, with some experiencing exhaustion and passengers passing out, while union leaders called for urgent action.
  • The situation has renewed focus on transport worker conditions, with calls for legislation to set maximum workplace temperatures and improve bus infrastructure.

Bus drivers in Britain's West Midlands are speaking out about “unbearable” conditions inside their cabs during recent heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 40C (104F).

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.

— Bus driverDescribing the conditions inside the bus cab during a heatwave.

Three drivers, who spoke anonymously after more than 20 years with National Express, described the heat as “terrible” and “like you’ve wet yourself.” They reported exhaustion among colleagues who struggled to maintain concentration while driving 12-tonne vehicles. One driver noted that passengers had also fainted on the bus.

The drivers criticized the company for not taking their concerns seriously, fearing that only a serious accident, like a driver passing out at the wheel, would prompt action. They also mentioned that while additional breaks were granted, many drivers were unaware of this due to fears about pay and service delays.

It’s like you’ve wet yourself. Your shirt is wringing wet. We’ve even had passengers pass out on the bus.

— Bus driverDetailing the severity of the heat and its impact on drivers and passengers.

Unite, the union representing the drivers, highlighted that the heat trapped in cabs is exacerbated by glass windows, creating a “greenhouse effect.” General Secretary Sharon Graham stated that bus operators seem surprised by heatwaves each year and must prioritize people over profits. The union is pushing for urgent attention to this worsening problem.

I think they’ll only take it seriously if someone passed out at the wheel.

— Bus driverExpressing frustration with National Express's perceived inaction on driver concerns.

The article notes that the UK experienced three successive heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 37C, and the Met Office warned that climate extremes are becoming the “new normal.” The issue has gained political attention, with a Green MP planning to introduce a bill for a maximum workplace temperature and the mayor of London pledging support for bus drivers.

Bus drivers had been left “sweltering during heatwaves, risking their own health and that of their passengers”.

— Sharon GrahamGeneral Secretary of Unite union, commenting on the situation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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