Nexus have fitted Ultraviolet equipment on all 36 escalators on the Tyne and Wear Metro network as part of their continued range of Covid secure measures. The UV light is used to sanitise the escalator handrails with germs being killed and is a safe and effective method of protecting high touch surfaces from coronavirus.
Huw Lewis. Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “The UV technology is a safe and effective method of keeping our escalators sanitised. It’s vital because the handrails are some of the most high-touch surfaces on our network. We already have a rigorous cleaning regime across all of our stations and trains, but are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the transport network is clean and Covid-secure. Each device will continuously clean 36 escalators on Metro system. The device uses electricity from the escalator to power LED UV lights, which continuously sanitise the surface of the handrails whilst the escalator is in motion. The installation of these new devices, along with the provision of hand sanitiser points across the network, along with a range of other measures, will help us to carry on rebuilding customer confidence as we look to build back from the impact of the pandemic.”
Similar technology has already been rolled out across London Underground and each device uses type “C” UV light to kill germs on the surface of the handrail, a major touch point for anyone using the Metro network.