Transit safety campaigns try to beat the summer heat

The meteorological summer, although coming to an 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 dating back to 1940. In the United States, several cities in 30 states plus Washington, DC, set new daily temperature records between May and July 2024.

The built environment of a city can help amplify this heat. An analysis released in July from Climate Central found that the urban heat island effect can add between eight and 10 degrees to the temperature in cities.

Reduced energy use, such as increased transit use and reduction of cars, as well as green spaces, can counteract the effects of high temperatures.

Providing additional shade is a goal of Sun Tran in Tucson, Arizona, which received $11.4 million Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facility Grants. About 43 percent of Sun Trans stops have shelters and a portion of the grant will be used to install shelters at 80 bus stops and add tree canopies.

“Shelter 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 sheltered stops were cooler.”

While physical infrastructure and facilities can help in the long term, heat safety campaigns can educate both riders and transit workers about heat-related safety issues.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, the Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) began running its Summer Heat campaign on June 11. The campaign, which provides riders with safety tips and useful items such as water, sunscreen and lip balm to help riders stay cool and protected, runs until September 3.

“Driver safety is one of our highest priorities, especially during the intense heat of Las Vegas,” said RTC of Southern Nevada CEO MJ Maynard. “Las Vegas already reached triple-digit temperatures in the first week of June, which underscores the importance of our work to help riders navigate the heat with tips and free water and essential items from our generous partners. Staying safe during the summer heat is a community responsibility and a effort and we appreciate the contributions of our partners to keep our passengers cool and safe all summer long.”