Meteorological summer, while drawing close to its end for 2024, has been one for the record books. Globally, July 22, 2024, was the hottest day on Earth according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, which tracks global temperatures going back to 1940. In the U.S., multiple cities in 30 states plus Washington, D.C., set new daily temperature records between May and July 2024.
The built environment of a city can contribute to the amplification of this heat. An analysis released in July from Climate Central found the urban heat island effect can add between eight and 10 degrees to temperatures in cities.
Reducing energy use, such as increased transit use and a reduction in cars, as well as green space, can counter the impact of high temperatures.
Providing additional shade is one goal of Sun Tran in Tucson, Ariz., which received an $11.4 million Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities grant. Approximately 43 percent of Sun Tran’s stops have shelters and a portion of the grant will be used to install shelters at 80 bus stops and add to the tree canopy.
“Shelters and shade are needed at bus stops here in the Sonoran Desert,” said SunTran Director of Service Planning and Development Davita Mueller. “Our team measured temperatures at bus stops last year and found that trees or native plants near the bus stops or near stops with shelters were cooler.”
While physical infrastructure and plants can help in the long-term, heat safety campaigns can educate both riders and transit workers on heat-related safety concerns.
In Las Vegas, Nev., the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada started operating its Summer Heat campaign on June 11. The campaign, which provides riders with safety tips and helpful items such as water, sunscreen and lip balm to help riders stay cool and protected, will last through Sept. 3.
“Rider safety is one of our top priorities, especially during the intense Las Vegas heat,” said RTC of Southern Nevada CEO M.J. Maynard. “Las Vegas already hit triple digit temperatures the first week of June, underscoring the importance of our work to help riders navigate the heat with tips and free water and essential items provided by our generous partners. Staying safe during summer heat is a community responsibility and effort and we appreciate the contributions of our partners to help keep our passengers cool and safe all summer long.”
Valley Metro launched public awareness campaigns through social media, informational posters and public service announcements to educate riders about available heat relief resources. Customer Experience Coordinators hosted weekly Heat Relief pop-ups on the light-rail system to provide heat resources, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand fans and water.
Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., is also concentrating its efforts on construction of the agency’s South Central Extension Downtown Hub. The project’s community relations team conducted weekly drives along the construction alignment to distribute water to pedestrians and bus riders waiting at bus stops. The agency also partnered with city of Phoenix cooling stations and water distribution centers to donate cooling towels as a way of helping to alleviate some of the strain the summer heat can bring to the community.
On the private side of the industry, Transdev runs a companywide campaign, “Beat the Heat,” each summer to share practical measures designed to mitigate the risks associated with high or extreme temperatures. Through various reminders and articles, Transdev provides employees with quick tips on staying hydrated, recognizing heat-related illnesses, finding shade when possible and taking appropriate breaks during shifts. The company also makes educational resources and training materials readily accessible through Transdev’s Safety Corner, an online platform where employees and the public can access comprehensive information on safety protocols and best practices.
