Why does nobody talk about how loud those electric buses are inside?

I rode one in San Francisco last week and the motor whine was giving me a headache after 10 minutes. Has anyone else noticed this or am I just getting old?

2 comments

2 Comments

betty_kelly91d ago

It's not just the motor, the HVAC system on those buses is actually the loudest part. Most of the high-pitched noise comes from the electric compressor running to keep the cabin cool, not the drivetrain. Could also be that newer buses have less engine rumble to mask those other sounds.

wendy1311d ago

I told my friend the other day that the new electric buses sound like a giant dentist drill mixed with a refrigerator, and she looked at me like I was crazy! Then again, I'm the same person who thought the old diesel rumble was just "bus white noise" so maybe my ears aren't the best judge. It really makes me wonder if the HVAC compressor is actually louder than the motor itself on those things. I guess I'm stuck being that person who can't tell if a bus is broken or just air conditioning.