Published on: Monday, 8 May 2017
Last updated: Tuesday, 13 June 2017
Train cleaners at Greater Anglia are using new backpack vacuum cleaners which suck up dirt and dust from parts of carriages that traditional vacuum cleaners can't reach.
The new Makita machines are completely cordless making them easier to manoeuvre so it is easier and quicker to clean trains.
Greater Anglia has invested more than £5,000 in the machines, which have replaced unwieldy mains-powered vacuums at Southend Victoria, London Liverpool Street, Norwich, and Colchester.
With the new vacuum cleaners, train cleaners can now reach areas like seats and edges which previously proved challenging.
Greater Anglia has invested significant sums in recruiting additional train cleaners in recent years which has led to an increase in customer satisfaction with train cleanliness. This new initiative is designed to further increase cleaning standards across the train operator’s network.
Michelle Smart, HR Director, Greater Anglia, said: “Customers told us that they wanted even cleaner trains. The new Makita back-pack vacuum cleaners are giving us improved cleanliness levels, faster coverage and are very easy to use. We are able to be more detailed when we clean especially hard to reach areas. Feedback from customers so far has been good, with them noting an improved level of cleanliness.
“Greater Anglia is investing more than £5 million in refurbishing trains – and we want to make sure they keep looking sparkling clean.”