Staten Island commuters are reporting that many MTA express buses are lacking air conditioning, a major concern with New York City baking under an early summer heat wave that is sending the mercury into the triple digits.
The MTA operates 75 express buses throughout the five boroughs, with many going into and out of Staten Island. Although most of the buses aim to provide a comfortable ride with cushioned seats and prompt service straight to Manhattan, riders this week say there is no air conditioning on their often two-hour trips.
Express bus rider Tara Kanehailua-Rosales said vents on the SIM33 were emitting hot air on June 18, when high temperatures reached 87 degrees.
“It was blowing hot air the entire ride. A few people got off to wait 25 minutes for the next one,” she said.
The ride was uncomfortable, but she was grateful she had water to make the daunting commute more bearable.
“Thankfully, I had a water bottle; otherwise, I would have passed out,” she said. “I got home drenched in sweat. There are so many issues with these buses.”
Another Staten Island commuter who takes the SIM 2 twice a week, said she was on the bus on Wednesday with no air conditioning. Being pregnant, the ride was especially uncomfortable.
“I’m also in my third trimester, so it feels extra hot.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers in a statement to keep cool, as “feels-like” temperatures can soar to 100 degrees this week around the state.
She also said that to ensure functioning air conditioning, subway railcars and buses will be inspected before being placed into service.
Megan Ewert, who uses the S79 Select Bus Service(SBS) route, said she often gets a crowded bus on hot days that does not have air conditioning. She said she and other passengers have had to exit hot buses to take alternative routes that are more expensive.
“I’m honestly concerned,” she said. “Because, if there’s no A/C, and people have to wait in the heat sometimes for a long time because buses don’t show up or come late, it’s a problem. Then sometimes we have to rely on cabs, Lyft, Uber, and not everyone can afford that all the time.”
The MTA said it is prepared for the heat this week. In line with Hochul’s remarks, agency spokesperson Joana Flores said buses undergo regular preventive maintenance inspections to ensure climate control systems are functioning properly.
“Any identified issues are addressed before the bus returns to service,” she said. “All bus systems are monitored daily through operator Vehicle Condition Reports, supplemented by alerts from the Automated Vehicle Monitoring (AVM) system, which notifies depot maintenance of any A/C performance issues.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams is urging New Yorkers this week to take precautions during the heat wave. New Yorkers can use the city’s Cool Options Map to find places to beat the heat.
More information about staying cool in NYC is available at nyc.gov.
