Before the Summer heat is on, GRTC’s A/C Blitz is on! Every Spring between March and May, GRTC’s federally licensed mechanics inspect every bus’ air-conditioning system in the revenue fleet, performing “preventative maintenance.” What that means to riders is they stay cool during the hot months ahead.
During the blitz, when Spring mornings tend to be a bit chilly but afternoons feel warmer, some buses may experience a wider range of ambient conditions. Customers are encouraged to dress in layers for this transitional season.
This annual A/C blitz keeps all of GRTC’s 145 buses operating at maximum efficiency, resulting in a low rate of problems and repairs in the Summer.
Depending on weather conditions, GRTC will roll through the blitz efficiently and thoroughly this year beginning around March 13th. GRTC’s elite team of mechanics is known for their expertise on the A/C units, and they showcase it every Spring. Each individual A/C procedure can take a single mechanic anywhere from three to five hours to complete, depending on the A/C system’s age and tender-loving-care needs. The entire A/C system is inspected and every single piece is cleaned.
Mechanic Doug Bauserman says, “I’ve been doing A/C inspections for 26 of the 29 years I’ve been here at GRTC. I like seeing the end result when the bus is cold. When you get a couple of people like us to maintain them the right way, we have a lot less problems.”
Bauserman estimates that because of the team’s expertise in-house at GRTC, an A/C repair can cost only $40 for a replacement part order, instead of replacing an entire unit at a cost of about $1500. Their knowledge saves GRTC, and our riders, money. Plus, it keeps everyone cool and comfortable!
GRTC thanks customers for their patience during the Spring A/C Blitz. The smaller Fall check-up will happen in October when the season transitions from A/C needs to heating needs.
