In March, Metrolink started implementing a brand new multi-faceted well being and security program to maintain riders and Metrolink staff secure in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metrolink
Calif.’s Metrolink introduced the addition of recent, state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filters on all its prepare vehicles to make sure the air passengers breathe all through their journey is secure and clear.
In March, Metrolink started implementing a brand new multi-faceted well being and security program to maintain riders and Metrolink staff secure in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts embrace a face-mask requirement at station platforms and aboard trains, enhanced cleansing and sanitizing measures, and partnerships with main well being and security establishments for steering on well being issues.
Constructed by Purafil, the brand new PuraShield air filters do greater than seize airborne microbials, they destroy them on contact. The filters display screen out 99.99% of the staphylococcus micro organism, 99.91% of the H1N1 virus, 99.96% of E. Coli micro organism and 99.58% of the SARS virus.
They do that by a high-efficiency fiber handled with a proprietary antimicrobial expertise. That expertise entails copper and silver ions collectively attacking the viral and bacterial cells, weakening the cell partitions, then sterilizing, suffocating, and ravenous the pathogens.
The brand new filters work with Metrolink’s HVAC system, which is itself one other protecting layer. Consumption vents attract exterior air, ship it by the HVAC system, then distribute the filtered and cleaned air into the vehicles. By way of this course of, the filters display screen out and kill not solely viral and bacterial particles, however organic and environment odors, offering a extra nice expertise for riders.
“Our focus for the reason that starting of this disaster has been on guaranteeing well being and security,” stated Metrolink Chief of Safety and Safety Don Filippi. “We considerably enhanced cleansing and disinfecting protocols, which embrace a every day deep cleansing of the trains. We expanded our Clear Care Crew that wipes and disinfects trains all through the day and makes use of an electrostatic sprayer to mist hospital-grade disinfectant on all prepare vehicles — together with hard-to-reach locations.”
Passenger suggestions led to Metrolink doubling its hand-sanitizing stations and conserving a prepared, recent provide of masks obtainable for riders arriving with out them. Face masks are required on Metrolink platforms and trains, and riders might be assured there’s loads of house for bodily distancing by utilizing the web instrument “How Full is My Train?”
In September, Metrolink joined the APTA’s nationwide Well being and Safety Commitments (HSC) Program and pledged to take the required steps to maintain riders and staff secure from the unfold of COVID-19. Metrolink trains show APTA’s Seal of Dedication reflecting the pledge to institute insurance policies and practices to guard the well being and security of its passengers. The HSC additionally helps transit businesses nationwide share data and ship the best security requirements as extra turns into recognized in regards to the COVID-19.
