Request ID: FOI-0385-2425 Date published: 23 May 2024
You asked
Details of TfL’s current procedures for dealing with reported bed bug infestations on the transport network. This includes:
• Does TfL have a reporting process for notifying passengers of bed bugs? If so, what is it?
• Are tube carriages taken out of circulation after bed bugs have been identified?
• What, if any, preventative measures does TfL take to minimise bed bug infestations?
• Does TfL have protocols in place for when there is a suspected bed bug infestation? If so, what are they?
• Do TfL provide training to cleaning staff to identify bed bugs?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0385-2425
Thank you for your request received on 2 May 2024 asking for information about bed bugs on our network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require. You asked for:
1. Details of TfL’s current procedures for dealing with reported bed bug infestations on the transport network. This includes:
• Does TfL have a reporting process for notifying passengers of bed bugs? If so, what is it?
We do not have a reporting process for notifying passengers of bed bugs in addition to contacting us via our Customer Contact Centre. Public transport is not a natural environment for bedbugs and there have been no confirmed sightings of bed bugs on our services. Bedbugs are not a significant health risk, and the NHS highlights that “their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause other health problems.”
• Are tube carriages taken out of circulation after bed bugs have been identified?
As noted above, we have not had any confirmed sightings of bedbugs on the London Underground. Should any bed bugs be identified on a Tube train, we would look to immediately identify the train and carry out robust cleaning.
• What, if any, preventative measures does TfL take to minimise bed bug infestations?
We have always had a robust cleaning regime in place across London’s public transport network in order to provide a pleasant and clean environment for our customers. Cleaning teams working on our services are briefed on how to effectively identify any bedbugs and immediately report back if they were to be found.
• Does TfL have protocols in place for when there is a suspected bed bug infestation? If so, what are they?
As noted above, should bed bugs be identified on one of our services, we would look to immediately identify the vehicle involved and carry out robust cleaning of that vehicle. However, we would note that public transport is not a natural environment for bedbugs and there have been no confirmed sightings of bed bugs on our services.
• Do TfL provide training to cleaning staff to identify bed bugs?
As noted above, cleaning teams working on our services are briefed on how to effectively identify any bedbugs and immediately report back if they were to be found.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
