Last Updated on October 17, 2022
Buses, subways, and trains receive many visitors every day in Canada, with all of these people, plenty of germs are inevitably going to spread.
Subway cars tend to be crowded, with closed windows and minimal air circulation, so there is always a chance of encountering airborne pathogens from a sick passenger. In addition to their usual commuters, subways and buses transport tourists who are exploring the city during their vacation. They may depend on public services like these not just for the transportation, but also to help them have a healthy trip.
There are more exclusive ways of getting around too. It is common knowledge that taxis are everywhere and many people ride in them each day. Rideshares, however, are a relatively new kind of transportation, and the idea of them being much filthier than they appear may not occur to most users and their friends when they hop in. Check out the comparison* of bacteria in each:
- Seatbelts have 1,000,153 colony-forming units (CFUs) in rideshares and 26,000 CFUs in taxis
- Door handles have 1,810 CFUs in rideshares and 1,570 CFUs in taxis
- Window buttons have 5,054,000 in rideshares and 23 CFUs in taxis
Hand sanitizer and surface sanitizing wipes are convenient, on-the-go products that passengers and drivers can use in most public transportation situations. On buses and subways, hands can be cleaned at the start and end of the ride and seats can be quickly wiped down before becoming occupied. Based on the results, it seems that sanitizing hands before buckling the seatbelt and adjusting the windows could decrease rideshare germs. Surface sanitizing wipes would be useful as well to disinfect the commonly touched areas.
Major subway and train stations, bus stops, and car rental offices not only have to maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles; they also have restrooms to keep up. A few products that can maintain ideal facilities are an inline sanitizer paired with an auto flush system, an automatic hand dryer, and an air freshener. A men’s room can stay fresher for longer with urinal hygiene products, while a sanitary disposal unit and a feminine products vending machine can be equally beneficial in the women’s room. As families often travel together, infant care facilities such as changing tables and diaper disposal units can bring the experience above and beyond for the travel-weary. Employees will be happy to have these items available too, and cleaning staff will have an easier time of keeping the restrooms clean and fresh.
*Measurements of colony-forming units in taxis and rideshares were provided by CNBC.
