We’ve reported many, many times over the past few months about changes introduced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from reduced services to social distancing but behind the scenes other changes have also been introduced to try and make our transport networks as safe as they can be. One system which has introduced new cleaning procedures is the Tyne and Wear Metro with an new anti-viral spray being used on trains whilst hand sanitiser points have also been installed at some of the busiest stations.
The enhanced cleaning regime on the Metro includes a special disinfectant which will provide anti-viral protection for up to 30 days, ensuring that the network meets the government’s Covid-secure standard. It will be applied in Metro carriages, including driver’s cabs and passenger areas and is said to kill 99.99% of germs keeping critical surfaces and touchpoints cleaner for longer. It is called Zoono Z-71 for those of you interested in that sort of thing.
Chris Carson, Metro Operations Director, said: “This enhanced disinfectant gives greater confidence to our customers who need to use the service as lockdown measures start to lift. The new cleaning fluid is more effective because it lasts for 30 days, reducing the risk of coronavirus spreading. It helps us to ensure that Metro meets a Covid-secure standard. We are expecting to see some uplift in passenger numbers as more shops start to re-open, allowing more people to return to work, and Metro is there for people who really do need to use it. We are making sure that our stations and trains are cleaned to the highest standard, and that there is clear information on how to socially distance as you travel. People are still advised to take Metro only where they need to, such as for work, if you cannot do so from home, and where you can’t walk, cycle or use a car. Customers should also follow Government advice and wear a face covering when travelling on public transport. Some of the busiest stations on the Tyne and Wear Metro have had automatic hand sanitiser points installed to help the Metro meet the Government’s Covid-secure standard. As part of the current recommendations anyone who needs to travel on public transport is advised to either wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before and after travelling and these new dispensers will help travellers to achieve this.”
Talking about hand sanitiser and dispensers have recently been installed at Haymarket, Monument, Central Station, Gateshead Interchange, Heworth, South Shields Interchange and Park Lane Interchange in Sunderland. They each automatically spray a small quantity of sanitiser gel when a person places their hands underneath.
Huw Lewis, Nexus Customer Services Director, said: “We have hand sanitiser points at our busiest stations so that customers can follow the general advice to keep their hands clean at all times. The dispensers are located prominently and it only takes a few seconds to use them. I urge all passengers who do need to travel that they make use of the sanitiser points in the interest of public health as we all do our bit to halt the spread of coronavirus.”
Alongside these dispensers new signage and station layouts have also been put in place at busy Metro stations to help people to follow social distancing when they are travelling on the network for their essential journeys.