Govia Thameslink says its trains are COVID-19 free up to three weeks after being treated with a ‘viruscide’.
In the latest tests, the operator had swabs randomly taken from rails, tables, toilet handles and buttons in a selection of carriages, up to 23 days after being treated with the specialist cleaning substances. The laboratory results tests showed there was no presence of Covid-19 on any of the surfaces.
Chief operating officer Steve White said: “We are carrying out a comprehensive testing regime of our trains to ensure that our customers can travel with confidence.
“Passengers can be reassured that the long-lasting viruscide we’re using, more than 100 extra cleaners and hospital-grade cleaning products are working.
“Please follow the government advice and wear a face covering.”
The operator says other safety measures across its fleet include more than 100 extra cleaning staff, and using new cleaning techniques including high-pressure dry steaming and bleach fogging.