A report reveals that only 10 out of 39 cities in Greater São Paulo have more than half of their municipal buses equipped with air conditioning, highlighting significant gaps in public transport comfort during hot weather.
A recent survey conducted by TV Globo's Bom Dia SP reveals that just 10 of the 39 municipalities in the Greater São Paulo area have at least half of their municipal buses equipped with air conditioning. The findings highlight a concerning disparity in public transportation comfort, especially during the stifling heat of summer months. While many passengers in this densely populated region face packed buses during peak hours, they are further challenged by the lack of climate control in these vehicles.
The survey indicates that in addition to the 10 cities with a majority of air-conditioned buses, seven others have a fleet where only half or fewer buses have this feature. Alarmingly, 13 municipalities do not provide any air-conditioned buses at all, and several others failed to respond to the inquiry. Only three cities, Itapevi, Itapecerica da Serra, and Vargem Grande Paulista, have managed to equip their entire fleets with air conditioning, showcasing a significant achievement in this aspect of public transportation.
In São Paulo city, which has the largest fleet in the region, 95% of the municipal buses offer air conditioning; however, this is still a stark reminder that many residents in surrounding cities are not afforded the same comfort. As public transport becomes increasingly vital amidst rising temperatures and urban congestion, these findings could push local governments to prioritize upgrading their bus fleets to ensure citizens' comfort and improve overall transportation quality in the Greater São Paulo area.
