Request ID: FOI-2420-2122 Date published: 24 November 2022
You asked
I wanted to know what the cleaning protocols are at the stations network and trains as I cannot see anything but filth on the buses and tubes
I know its not easy to clean these things but more money needs to be invested to ensure these are cleaned everyday and I do not believe that is the case
Please send me the protocals for the cleanings programmes of your network, buses, tubes and rails
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2420-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 23 January 2022, asking about cleaning programme on TfL’s 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 the information you require. You asked:
Please send me the protocols for the cleanings programmes of your network, buses, tubes and rails.
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. Regular cleaning is also being carried out at bus shelters located within 500 metres of hospitals or medical facilities.
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).
Please find attached details of the tube cleaning regime. The hand rails/grab poles are included in the deep clean process and get picked up via various cleaning tasks (Deep Clean, Mini Clean and Zoono antibacterial application) at various intervals. 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.
Attached is also a copy of a staff briefing which outlines the enhanced cleaning regime introduced across our network.
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
