Case study: faulty tram air conditioning
08 July 2025
Faulty air-conditioning units replaced with fully functioning air conditioning on trams.
A reporter to CIRAS said the driver cabs in 11 of Blackpool Trams’ 18 trams had faulty air conditioning. This was creating an uncomfortable and unpleasant working environment, especially on hot days. It was negatively affecting driver health and wellbeing. Drivers could faint at the wheel in the heat, they said. Windows can’t be opened.
Drivers could sometimes turn the tram around to work in the end with functioning air conditioning, but not always.
The reporter added that Blackpool Trams was using portable air-conditioning units on trams to help, but these weren’t adequately cooling down cabs.
Blackpool Trams explained that the supply chain for components to fix the air-conditioning units was problematic.
After checking with drivers, the company transferred functional air-conditioning units from other trams which had faults, so that 12 trams were fully operational with fully functioning units at both ends. Since then, Blackpool Trams has replaced the air-conditioning units on all trams. A new system is being used to check the temperatures inside the driver cabs.
Drivers get regular updates and advice to manage temperature conditions, and support is available for related discomfort or health concerns.