Percentage of Air Conditioned Buses
In hot climates, air conditioned buses will provide more comfortable travel than buses without air conditioning. The percentage of air conditioned buses in the fleet is an indicator of the extent to which passengers who are able and prepared to pay higher fares for a higher standard of comfort are catered for.

In some cities, even those where temperatures may be very high, there are no air conditioned buses; in others, such as Hong Kong, the proportion is very high at approximately 95%. However, there is a general trend world wide for the proportion of air conditioned buses to increase.

The figure is significant when considering the tendering of routes or areas to bus operators. If the proportion is considered to be too low, and the authority wishes it to be increased, this can be achieved by inviting bids for the provision of air conditioned buses either as part of a contract which also requires standard buses, or as a separate contract.

If there is only a small proportion of air conditioned buses, and this is unlikely to increase during the term of the contract to be awarded, then it would be more appropriate for a single operator to be required to provide both types of service. Similarly, if there is only a small proportion of non-air conditioned buses, the same would apply.

If the proportions are more equal, consideration may be given to offering separate contracts for the different types of service; there are both advantages and disadvantages in this which must be carefully assessed.

The types of buses to be provided should be clearly specified in any contracts which may be offered.