TfL Ref: 1322-2021

Thank you for your request received by us on 9 October 2020 asking for information about Transport for London (TfL) and changes in response to Covid-19

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:

changes in response to Covid-19 in regard to:

- reduction in the use of the transport system (stats + information if possible)
- peak times usage (number of passengers at peak times/change in the peak usage time)
- passenger behaviour (in stations and within carriages)
- use of the (underground) transport system
- scheduling of trains (reduction in service + stats to show this)
- cleaning of the carriages
- closing of non-priority station/changes in opening hours of station

Passenger usage statistics are published on our website using the following link for reports under the ‘Network demand reports and data’ section. Further details can also be found in the Change Assurance Plan and Risk Management report for London Underground services and the Surface Management Change Assurance plan at:https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/coronavirus-publications?cid=coronavirus-publications#on-this-page-0

Details of the enhanced cleaning regime undertaken can be viewed here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2020/march/enhanced-cleaning-regime-to-make-public-transport-even-safer.TfL has always had a robust cleaning regime in place across London’s public transport network. Throughout the pandemic however, we have been using enhanced anti-viral fluid - the same product used in hospitals - across the network in all public areas as well as in back-of-house areas that staff members use. Particular attention is being given to 'touch points' including all poles and handles that are touched by those travelling on the network, as well as steering wheels and controls in drivers' cabs.

A long-lasting anti-viral disinfectant that protects for up to 30 days is also being used on the entire fleet of more than 600 Tube trains, at all London Underground stations, on the DLR and Tram network, the Dial-a-Ride fleet and at 33 key bus stations. This disinfectant is applied either as a light mist spray from a backpack for larger areas such as train carriages or as a liquid applied directly using a cloth.
In addition to the enhanced cleaning regime outlined above, our existing cleaning schedule for Tube trains consists of three different levels of cleaning: pre-service cleans (daily), intermediate cleans (every 3-4 days) and deep cleans (every 21-28 days).

The seats, floors and surfaces are cleaned daily on every train as part of the pre-service clean. Intermediate cleans also include the cleaning of window ledges, windows, interior panels, the driver’s cab and windscreens. The deep clean involves a full clean of the interior and exterior of the train.

In the meantime changes to entrance opening times of various stations where applicable as well as details of stations that remain closed can be found via the respective links to our website below:

https://tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status/#stations-status

https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/restart?intcmp=62808#on-this-page-3

In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London