MORE than one million extra cleaning hours have been carried out across the entire public transport network since March to keep customers and staff COVID safe.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said more than 1,400 extra cleaners have been employed to support the delivery of a COVID safe public transport system.
“Six months ago we pledged to keep our customers and staff as safe as possible on public transport and support the return to a COVID Safe economy.
“Reaching the amazing milestone of one million extra cleaning hours not only shows our commitment to slowing the spread of the virus but our enhanced cleaning regime has provided a lifeline for those who found themselves out of work due to the virus.
“Many of our new contract cleaners for Sydney Trains have come from different industries, including hospitality, teaching and engineering, and are not only keeping the network COVID-safe but are also able to continue working in their local communities and I thank them for all of their hard work,” Mr Constance said.
Minister for Regional Transport Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s $250M Cleaning Stimulus has seen cleaning ramped up across the regional bus and train public transport network.
“It’s critical that our customers feel safe and that’s why we’ve increased our cleaning regime including rolling out dedicated cleaners on busy bus routes in Tweed Heads and vehicle sanitisation stations for point to point transport providers in Albury, Dubbo, Newcastle, Tweed Heads, Tamworth and the Central Coast,” Mr Toole said.
“From bushfires, to floods, to COVID-19, this has been a very tough time for the people in regional NSW and we thank everyone who has been on the frontline to help keep our communities safe and connected.”