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Metro Transit Safely Moving the Region Forward With Next Generation Sanitizers
Antimicrobial technology provides riders and transit operators added protection against COVID-19
Protecting the health and safety of its front-line team members and transit riders has always been Metro Transit’s top priority, but it has never been more important than over the last year. The transit agency that serves southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri has provided vital transportation options for essential workers to get to their jobs and to get other riders to their important destinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro Transit has done everything it can to help keep team members and customers safer by implementing COVID-19 mitigation strategies like mandating early adoption of face masks, launching special operating plans, adding enhanced disinfecting programs, providing personal protective equipment like masks, gloves and cleaning supplies for team members, designing and installing onboard barriers around the vehicle operators, adding mobile ticketing, and securing vaccines for employees to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The newest measures focus on innovative antimicrobial technology that will significantly reduce the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other germs.
For eight months, Metro Transit has been researching and testing new sanitizing products that offer a microbe shield as added protection against COVID-19. On March 15, Metro Transit will officially begin putting that new antimicrobial technology into use to dramatically reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses on transit vehicles. These new products are revolutionary in that 20 minutes after they are applied through a fogging device, a protective barrier forms on treated surfaces that lasts up to 30 days, inhibiting the growth of microbes. It is equally effective on steel, chrome, plastics, glass, and LCD screens. The products are water-based, alcohol-free and free from dangerous chemicals. With other sanitizing products, a surface is only germ free until the next person comes along and touches it. Metro Transit will continue its nightly cleaning protocols to keep the MetroLink trains, MetroBus vehicles and Metro Call‑A‑Ride vans looking sharp inside and outside. The routine nightly cleanings will not affect the microbe shield barrier or the 30-day effectiveness of the new sanitizing products.
“This technology is a game changer, and we are thrilled to introduce this innovative sanitizing solution to better protect our riders and team members during this ongoing global health crisis,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise. “Their health and well-being is our top priority, and this tremendous new tool is helping to ensure that our riders and our operators feel safe while traveling on the region’s transit system.”
Other industries worldwide — including airlines, manufacturing, and health care and educational institutions — have already utilized the technology to help protect employees and customers, as well as the hospitality industry to instill confidence in returning patrons to hotels and restaurants.
The use of antimicrobial technology is just one of many measures Metro Transit has taken in the fight against COVID-19 since March 2020. Metro Transit continues to research and pursue the newest practices and advances for COVID-19 mitigation strategies so that riders can remain confident they will have a safe, comfortable and convenient commute on the transit system.