The increasing temperatures, highlighted by the severe heat waves and wildfires of summer 2025, are significantly impacting various aspects of daily life. A prominent area affected is public transportation, particularly in Halifax, where rising heat is presenting critical challenges for transit operators.
Patricio Garcia, the president of ATU Local 508, representing Halifax Transit workers, discussed these challenges on the Todd Veinotte Show. He noted alarming instances where bus drivers have had to be transported off their buses in ambulances due to heat-related ailments. Garcia emphasized that as temperatures soar yearly, the functionality of air conditioning on buses has become increasingly problematic.
While Halifax Transit buses are equipped with air conditioning units, many of these systems are malfunctioning. Garcia highlighted that older Flyer buses tend to perform well when operational, but they are aging and breaking down more frequently due to wear and tear. Meanwhile, the municipality’s newer NOVA buses, which include an electric fleet, are facing issues with their air conditioning units breaking down consistently. Garcia estimated that this summer, 50 to 60 percent of the fleet has experienced AC failures.
In response to these concerns, Robert Gerus, the executive director of Halifax Transit, acknowledged the problems and reiterated that employee safety is their top priority. He reported that while 80 percent of the Halifax Transit fleet is equipped with air conditioning, they are confronting daily challenges with many buses experiencing AC malfunctions. Gerus pointed out that other transit authorities are facing similar issues, especially during the summer months.
Currently, the maintenance and repair of the air conditioning units are contracted out, but Gerus indicated that there has been a shift this year, starting maintenance work in January — earlier than in previous years. Despite this proactive approach, problems with the AC persist. Garcia expressed hope that the transit authority will consider bringing maintenance in-house, which Gerus confirmed is a priority, with the aim of transitioning most work in-house by next year.
When buses require maintenance and are deemed defective, they are generally taken out of service. However, in circumstances of high demand, these vehicles may still be used for swing routes that operate during early morning or evening hours. Gerus mentioned that achieving a balance between providing service and ensuring operator comfort is crucial, particularly as driver complaints about heat increase. He reassured that the transit authority is committed to addressing their concerns seriously.
Moreover, Garcia noted that passengers often misattribute the discomfort caused by high temperatures to the bus drivers, who possess no control over the cooling systems — they merely operate an on/off switch. Drivers, he highlighted, would ensure a cooler atmosphere if given the ability, yet they are constrained by the malfunctioning equipment, while passengers have the option to leave the bus.
There are dire consequences to the heat as well, with report instances of drivers experiencing headaches and heat exhaustion, and in extreme cases, some have required ambulance assistance due to heat-related issues. Gerus mentioned that, although he has not received reports of ambulance incidents, there have been 18 documented heat-related occurrences among operators this year.
