ISSA Show Explores Transit Station Cleaning Challenges

Last week, ISSA Show North America offered educational solutions, cleaning products, and equipment solutions for a wide variety of facilities. For instance, industry speakers at education sessions explored the specific requirements and challenges for large public transportation areas.

Christopher Limon, executive officer of operations administration for the Los Angeles Metro public transportation system, has prepared for a myriad of large events that send people flocking to the public train lines, from past Super Bowls and World Cups to the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2028.

“And we just had a big event, the Dodgers World Series victory parade, with at least 30,000 people using our system to get to the parade,” Limon said.

Whether transit system stations are accommodating special events or daily commutes, they require a strict care schedule, Limon said.  Daily baseline cleanings include trash pickup, mopping, and disinfection. Weekly protocols add in deep cleanings, auto scrubbing, and power washing. Then there’s the surge cleaning required for large events like the Dodgers parade, necessitating odor control and enhanced disinfection.

“When people are celebrating, they are also hydrating and then relieving themselves,” Limon said. Hourly trash removal is also a must during surge cleaning with all the “people trying to be like [former LA Lakers shooting guard] Kobe [Bryant] but missing the basket,” he said.

Commuter expectations for public transportation systems include safe, clean, and modern facilities, Limon said. Actions necessary to meet these expectations include litter control, sanitizer access, and spill response. A major issue affecting commuter health and safety is limited access to restrooms in transit stations. Security issues, such as vandalism, encampments, and substance abuse further complicate passenger safety.

David Daniels, senior director of the LA Metro system, spoke of public restroom modular options that provide safe and convenient restroom areas due to technical innovations. After 10 minutes, the restroom module doors open, discouraging people from using the units for drug use. Daniels recounted two instances in which the automatically opening doors revealed people overdosing, allowing emergency responders to administer Narcan.

The doors also automatically open if sensors in the module sense cigarette smoke or vandalism.