Request ID: FOI-1991-2122 Date published: 06 December 2021
You asked
Under the 2000 Freedom of Information Act, I seek the following information:
How often are the buses, tubes and trains cleaned and with what are they cleaned?
Which of the lines on Tfl are the cleanest and the least clean?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1991-2122
Thank you for your request received by us on 2 November 2021 asking about cleaning across London’s public transport network. 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 some of the information you require. You asked:
How often are the buses, tubes and trains cleaned and with what are they cleaned?
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.
Which of the lines on Tfl are the cleanest and the least clean?
We do not hold this information.
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
