Assessment of Thermal Comfort in Bus Station: A Case Study of Bentayan Bus Station, Muar

Abstract

Public transportation facilities play a crucial role in urban mobility, 
offering convenience and sustainability. Ensuring thermal comfort 
within these facilities significantly impacts passenger satisfaction, well being, and overall user experience. The Bentayan Bus Station in Muar, 
Johor, serves as a key transit hub but faces challenges in maintaining 
optimal thermal comfort levels, particularly in the waiting area, due to 
inadequate ventilation, excessive solar heat gain, and insufficient 
shading devices. This study assessed thermal comfort performance 
through on-site measurements of air temperature averaging 30.5°C, air 
velocity varied from 0.1 m/s to 1.5 m/s, and peak percentage for 
relative humidity 84%, using the LSI LASTEM Heatshield device. 
Passenger perceptions were collected via structured questionnaires 
from 101 respondents to gauge their comfort levels and overall 
experience. Data analysis aligned with ASHRAE Standard 55 revealed 
Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) values of 2.3 and Predicted Percentage 
Dissatisfied (PPD) at 84.1%, indicating significant thermal discomfort. 
Survey feedback highlighted the need for better air circulation and 
improvements to cooling systems and ventilation. The findings 
emphasize the necessity for interventions such as advanced mechanical 
ventilation systems, passive cooling techniques, and the integration of 
shading solutions to reduce solar heat gain. These measures are vital for 
enhancing user satisfaction, aligning the station’s thermal environment 
with international standards, and supporting sustainable urban transit 
development. Overall, this research underscores the importance of 
thermal comfort in public transportation facilities to improve the 
passenger experience and operational efficiency