Request ID: FOI-1594-2324 Date published: 16 August 2023
You asked
I would like to know how often in a week are all of the buses cleaned and if every single seat is wiped and vaccumed as well and floors are sweeped and mopped?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1594-2324
Thank you for your request received by us on 14 August 2023 asking for information about cleaning regime on London buses. 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.
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.
London buses (which are operated by private companies under contract with TfL) are cleaned and swept daily. Two antiviral agents are used - ‘Guardicide’ and ‘Zoono’. Guardicide is used daily, with particular attention paid to the drivers’ cab and touchpoints, including all poles and handles touched by customers travelling on the network. Zoono, a long-lasting anti-viral disinfectant, is applied to seats and side panels once every 21-28 days and remains effective for 30 days.
Drivers conduct a walk around check of their vehicles before taking them into service at the start of their shift and can report seats or other part of the vehicles that might be damaged or require attention. This might entail seat covers being removed or replaced.
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
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
