Request ID: FOI-2479-2324 Date published: 26 October 2023
You asked
How is the bed bug infestation being treated on london transports. particularly tubes and buses?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2479-2324
Thank you for your request received on 16 October 2023 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 the information you require. I can confirm that we have not identified any occurrences of bed bugs on our services in the last two years. However, we are not complacent and we continue to closely monitor our network and take all possible precautionary measures. We are continuing to implement our rigorous and thorough cleaning measures that have been proven to keep both the interior and exterior of our vehicles clean. We are committed to providing a clean and safe environment on our bus, Tube and rail service for our customers and staff, and we would like to reassure our customers that we continue to maintain our already high standards of cleanliness, so our staff and customers can use the network safely and with confidence. Cleaning teams working on TfL services are briefed on how to effectively identify any bedbugs and immediately report back if they were to be found. As part of this, TfL has now provided additional guidance to operators across its network to ensure that there is a consistent approach. This has been developed following conversations with other companies who operate services across Europe such as RATP, Keolis and Eurostar, as well as Heathrow airport. TfL has 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: • Buses are cleaned at the end of each shift and undergo a deep clean at intervals. o Additionally, during the mid-life of a bus, they are also refurbished including replacement of seat covers. • All of our rail lines have a rigorous cleaning schedule in place for both the interior and exterior of the trains.
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
