08/21/2026
🚌 The Physics of a School Bus: A/C During Extreme Heat
When afternoon temperatures reach 105°F, our school bus A/C systems work continuously to reduce cabin temperatures. Each bus is equipped with two A/C units. Properly operating systems face an enormous heat load when the temperatures soar.
Why can a school bus still feel warm?
☀️ More than 20 large windows allow intense sunlight to heat the cabin.
🚌 The metal body absorbs and retains heat, with less insulation than a personal vehicle.
🚪 Doors open at every stop, allowing cooled air to escape while hot outdoor air enters.
👥 Dozens of passengers generate body heat and humidity inside a much larger space than a car.
Because of these conditions, the A/C can be operating as designed but the cabin can still feels much warmer than expected—especially during afternoon routes.
Our entire fleet of school buses is equipped with air conditioning. During periods of extreme heat, our technicians continuously monitor each system. Any bus with an underperforming A/C system is immediately removed from service and replaced with a spare.
Our school bus technicians are working tirelessly to provide our students with the coolest and safest ride possible.
