Protests are returning over buses running late and with inadequate air conditioning on lines connecting Quartu city center with other destinations. The latest incident involves bus number 40: a woman felt ill while on the bus and was promptly assisted by the driver.
Her son Valerio Piu recounts the story: "A situation of grave danger to public health is unfolding on public transportation. My mother became seriously ill due to the unbearable heat aboard a Rampini electric bus (route 40, bus no. 8). Only the promptness and humanity of the driver, who stopped the bus at Quartello to assist her in the shade, prevented the worst."
Hence the letter sent to the regional transport councilor and the CTM, where Piu emphasizes " how this episode shines a spotlight on an unsustainable daily reality: vehicles turning into veritable 'heat traps' and drivers forced to improvise as first responders to remedy structural deficiencies beyond their control. We are calling for an extraordinary check of all air conditioning systems on the electric vehicles in the Quartu fleet (but, obviously, also in Cagliari), and the immediate recall of any vehicle with faulty or inefficient air conditioning systems during extremely hot days. We are calling for immediate action before a tragedy occurs."
Added to this are the dozens of bus stops without shelters, forcing users to wait for their vehicles under the scorching sun.
The CTM announces that "due to the exceptional heatwave currently affecting the Cagliari metropolitan area, with temperatures currently exceeding 40°C, public transport services may be temporarily rescheduled. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of drivers and passengers, as well as to maintain the efficiency of operating vehicles. In such extreme weather conditions, vehicles' air conditioning systems may not be able to provide the usual level of cooling, especially during the hottest hours of the day and on crowded vehicles."
The Company "invites citizens to plan their travel, avoiding the hottest time slots where possible, to stay adequately hydrated and to consult the official CTM channels for any updates on the service."
CTM apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks passengers for their cooperation and understanding.