Rail service improvements and disruptions

New TfL Commissioner inspects cleaning efforts

Today (July 10^th), Transport for London’s (TfL’s) new Commissioner, Andy Byford, saw some of the new measures underway to make the transport network cleaner than ever.   

Byford was joined by Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to the work taking place at Southwark station ahead of its reopening on Monday. They saw a vast rang of hygiene measure that have been introduced across the transport network.

Measures include additional use of hospital-grade cleaning substances that kill viruses and bacteria on contact, and protect for up to 30 days. Alongside key interchanges being cleaned more regularly, including during the day and all regular ‘touch point’ area on buses, such as poles and doors, being wiped down with a strong disinfectant every day.

Together with these measures, a trial is on-going to use UV light to clean the handrails on escalators on the Tube network. The device, which could help supplement TfL’s extensive anti-viral cleaning regime, is connected to the escalator handrail and uses its motion to power a UV build that breaks down surface contamination to sanitise the handrail. TfL is now assessing the benefits of the technology, which could be installed more widely.

Investigators conducted as part of independent research, which studied a number of locations across the Tube found them all to be free from Covid-19. Academics from Imperial College undertook coronavirus testing at high frequency touch points, and in the air at Vauxhall, Pimlico and Victoria stations on 26 June as part of a larger study into the development of bacteria and fungi in the urban environment across the globe. This original data set of 24 samples all came back negative of any coronavirus. TfL is now assessing what further research in this area might be useful in the future.

Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: "A huge range of measures are in place across the transport network to ensure it is cleaner than ever, including the use of new hospital-grade substances, 1,000 hand sanitiser points, and a new trial of UV technology to sanitise hand rails. Other measures to keep people safe include social distancing signage and the mandatory wearing of face coverings.

"As customers continue to return in greater numbers as pandemic restrictions are gradually eased, there are some simple steps that everyone can take to ensure they stay safe. This includes travelling at quieter times, regular hand cleaning and staying alert to the latest Government advice.

“We all want London to continue to get back on its feet, and TfL is fully focussed on supporting this as we strive to make sure that customers and staff are safe.”

Images: Transport for London