A new longer lasting protection against bacteria and viruses has recently been introduced on the West Midlands Metro network as part of their continued response to the Covid-19 pandemic to try and make travelling on board the trams as safe as possible. West Midlands Metro introduced a stringent and enhanced daily cleaning programme as soon as the pandemic hit back in March and this extra process is aimed at making travel even safer and to provide reassurance to anyone who needs to travel on the Metro.
The technology behind this process uses an anti-static application, which treats all surfaces with a fine mist of a water-based disinfectant. It is being used on all touch points including handrails, push buttons and seating to create an invisible coating that delivers continued protection against 99.9% of bacteria for up to 30 days.
Explaining more, Anthony Stanley, West Midlands Metro Head of Quality, Health and Safety and Environment, said: “We are continually researching ways to further improve our already excellent cleaning regime and this process creates a residual barrier which greatly reduces re-contamination. It has all the benefits of being safe, non-toxic and non-hazardous and tests across the world have shown it will provide longer-lasting biocidal protection for up to 30 days. It will complement our existing cleaning regime and is designed to give our customers increased confidence. It is already being used internationally and by some other light rail networks in the UK who are sharing practices to help tackle Covid-19. I’m delighted we’ve been able to adopt the process for our needs, helping us to increase our efforts to guard against the spread of viruses. It is a system we’re now planning to use well into the future.”