Windows don't open on New Bus for London

Windows on the New Bus for London don't open because it prevents the air cooling system from working, says Transport for London - a disaster for passengers when the air cooling system doesn't work in summer temperatures.

TfL says ‘air-conditioning’ is ruled out on buses because the unit would make buses heavier and mean they consume extra fuel making them less environmentally friendly.

Some London buses – including the New Bus - have air cooling, where air is streamed through the upper deck.

TfL says that where vehicles are fitted with air cooling, opening windows detract from the cooling by dissipating the flow of air; so on New Bus for London vehicles the windows don't open.

Mike Weston, Operations Director for London Buses, said:

“We are aware of some technical issues with the ventilation and air cooling system on some of the New Bus for London vehicles on Route 24. Our suppliers are working to fix the issue as soon as possible.

When the air chill system is fully operational we are finding temperature levels are comparable to other buses in our fleet fitted with a similar system.

As you would expect with the introduction of a large fleet of new buses, there will be teething problems and we are working hard to minimise the impact of these on our passengers.”