Study Highlights Heat Complaints in Subway Systems of Major Cities
Study Highlights Heat Complaints in Subway Systems of Major Cities
US · Published Mar 11, 2026
Study shows subway riders in NYC, Boston, and London complain about heat.
Heat complaints rise with outdoor temperatures: 1°F increase leads to 10-27% more complaints.
Improved cooling needed in subways due to climate change and urban heat.
Heat discomfort increasing for subway riders
A recent study published in *Nature Cities* highlights the growing issue of heat-related discomfort experienced by subway riders in major cities such as New York, Boston, and London. Researchers from Northwestern University analyzed over 85,000 social media posts and Google Maps reviews from 2008 to 2024, focusing on keywords related to thermal discomfort. The study revealed a clear correlation between rising outdoor temperatures and increased complaints about heat within subway systems. Specifically, a 1-degree Fahrenheit (0.56-degree Celsius) increase in outdoor temperature leads to a 10% increase in heat complaints in Boston, 12% in New York, and a substantial 27% increase in London.
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