The Metro – time to ‘Dig It’ 100 Days Clean Up campaign is now complete and the improvements can be seen throughout the network. Here is a round-up of what the Metro deep clean team has achieved since 1st April: 
Metrocars
- The entire fleet of Metrocars received a super valet. All walls, ceilings, glass, seats and fittings have been thoroughly cleaned; any debris or chewing gum has been removed and the floors have received the ‘supershine’ treatment, giving a glossy finish
- On average 12 pieces of chewing gum were removed per sqm² – which equates to 86,400 pieces for the whole fleet (using specialist equipment remover)
- Five litres of Supershine product was used per car – which equates to 450 litres for a full polish
- The amount of rubbish collected every day amounts to 10 skips worth
- New maintenance schedule in place: floors on eight week cycle to get re-polished and each Metrocar to regularly go through car wash after service with full hand wash every 120 days
Metro Stations
- 59 metro stations have been repainted; car parks have new markings; all entrances and walkways have received a deep clean to remove any graffiti; repairs to stairways and fences has been carried out, and 900+ poster display areas have been replaced
- Station lighting has been improved through a re-lamping programme
“A big thank you to all our deep clean team and Metro staff, the work that has been carried out over the past 100 days has been outstanding, and could not have been done without the dedication and passion shown by all parties involved,” comments Richard McClean, Managing Director of Metro operators DB Regio Tyne and Wear Ltd.
“The newly revamped stations and Metrocars look fantastic and the feedback from Metro passengers is really positive; they can see the improvements and are very supportive of the obvious care and attention being taken.”
Bernard Garner, Director General of Nexus, which owns and manages Metro, said: “I’m happy passengers are already seeing a positive difference on Metro from cleaner more attractive stations and trains.
Further information and images for our 100 Day Clean Up are available at our dedicated website www.metro-dig-it.co.uk.
In addition to the improvements being made to stations and Metrocars, Metro is also getting its passengers involved in fun and interactive activity through its Metro ‘Dig It’ website and e-newsletter. Metro is currently recruiting volunteers to help keep Metro stations and surrounding environments clean and fresh. All interested parties can register at www.metro-dig-it.co.uk