Building Heat-Resilient Public Transport: Insights from the CDRI Guidance Report

Extreme heat is reshaping how cities function, with public transport systems at the frontline of this challenge. At COP29, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) presented a groundbreaking guidance report addressing the urgent need to adapt urban transit systems to rising temperatures. Building Health Lab is proud to have contributed to the methodological aspects and pedestrian-first perspective of the report by introducing UrbanCare, a model structuring climate and health-focused case studies across Europe through the U-Care Project , co-funded by the European Union.

The guidance provides actionable solutions to help cities maintain operational, safe, and sustainable transport systems during extreme heat events. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Context Setting: Understanding the Impacts of Extreme Heat on Public Transport

Public Transport systems are essential to urban life, but rising temperatures increasingly threaten their operations. Heat waves cause rail buckling, vehicle overheating, and road degradation, while vulnerable populations face heightened health risks. Cities also face financial pressures from reduced ridership and increased energy demands. Addressing these challenges is vital to protecting public health and sustaining urban economies.

2. Framework for Extreme Heat in Public Transport Systems: Leveraging UrbanCare to Build Resilience

The report introduces a structured framework to address extreme heat challenges, starting with robust research to establish baselines and identify vulnerabilities using quantitative and qualitative data. UrbanCare’s tools play a central role in evaluating climate and health risks. The framework emphasizes translating data into actionable insights through heat maps and visuals, ensuring accessibility for decision-makers. It also highlights collaboration across sectors such as transportation, health, climate, and urban planning to co-create strategies. Additionally, it stresses integrated design by leveraging nature-based solutions and performance-driven approaches to enhance resilience.

3. Actions for Implementation: Scaling Solutions to Protect Passengers and Operators

The guidance provides targeted interventions for three critical phases of a transit journey:

• Connecting to transit hubs: Solutions include shaded walkways, hydration points, and accessible routes to reduce heat exposure emphasizing walkability and urban comfort.
• At transit stops: Cooling systems, shaded seating, and real-time information can enhance comfort and reduce risks, supporting passenger safety.
• Onboard vehicles: Retrofitting with efficient cooling systems, improving ventilation, and minimizing overcrowding are vital measures to ensure safe transit.

These interventions are designed to be scalable and adaptable, allowing cities to address both immediate and long-term challenges effectively.

4. Guidance for Long-Term Adaptation: Building Future-Ready Transit Systems

To future-proof public transport systems, the report recommends systemic changes such as prioritizing heat-resilient materials, transitioning to solar or electric fleets to reduce emissions, and utilizing predictive models to guide investments. Strategies like adjusting service frequency during heatwaves and integrating passive cooling in transit hubs are also emphasized. These long-term measures mitigate extreme heat impacts while advancing broader climate adaptation goals.

5. Annexure of Resources: Practical Tools and Insights for Stakeholders

The report includes a detailed annexure offering practical resources for policymakers, urban planners, and transit operators. These resources encompass case studies, methodologies, and tools for designing and implementing evidence-based solutions in diverse urban contexts.

A Call to Action: Collaborating to Build Heat-Resilient Urban Transport Systems

As a company dedicated to advancing sustainable urban development, Building Health Lab recognizes the vital importance of integrating resilience into public transport systems through pedestrian-focused planning. The CDRI guidance marks a significant step in addressing the immediate and long-term challenges posed by extreme heat. By fostering collaboration across sectors and investing in adaptive solutions, cities can ensure their transit systems remain operational, safe, and accessible, even as temperatures continue to rise.

Building resilience requires collaboration across sectors. Climate and urban leaders like C40 Cities, ICLEI, and the World Resources Institute (WRI) provide essential tools for knowledge sharing to tackle sustainability challenges holistically. At the same time, sustainable land use efforts, championed by the Urban Land Institute, emphasize planning and design strategies that align with climate resilience goals.

Financial institutions play a pivotal role in turning these ideas into action. Organizations such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the World Bank enable cities to transform urban spaces through scalable, evidence-based approaches. Initiatives like the World Bank’s City Creditworthiness Initiative strengthen municipalities' financial capacity to develop climate-smart infrastructure. Similarly, the EIB supports sustainable urban regeneration and green mobility, showcasing the impact of well-structured, data-driven investments.

By uniting global expertise, strategic planning, and financial support, we can safeguard urban communities, improve public health, and create cities that thrive in the face of climate challenges. Together, we can ensure sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban systems for generations to come.

For detailed insights, access the executive summary and the full report here: https://www.buildinghealth.eu/cdri-extreme-heat-guidance-document/