Author(s)

F. Patania, A. Gagliano, F. Nocera & A. Galesi

Abstract

The issue of passenger comfort on board public transport is gaining increasing importance in the last few years. Thermal comfort and indoor air quality are often a problem for the passengers during transportation. This paper presents the results of measurements and thermal comfort analysis and indoor air quality to which passengers are exposed during the utilization of public transport of Catania city. To individuate the thermal comfort of passengers the following indices are used: gradient of temperature, PMV, RWI, CO2 and CO concentration, SSI and Humidex. Keywords: heat-waves, bioclimatic index, air quality, public transport. 1 Introduction Since the public transportation system is used by many passengers in a tightly enclosed space, it can cause adverse impacts on health due to poor indoor air quality and a lack of appropriate ventilation. Moreover, the heat generated by train motors, electric lighting, human bodies, etc is so significant that excessive temperatures would prevail in summer and this may lead to passenger discomfort and complaints if the environment is not cooled. So, improving the comfort conditions of public transport is an important factor necessary to increase the attractiveness of the public transport systems In particular, the air conditioning on subway passenger cabins or on the buses can play a very significant role in making public transport a worthwhile alternative to the private car.

Keywords

heat-waves, bioclimatic index, air quality, public transport.