Melbourne Trams Boost Safety with 300 Cleaners

Yarra Trams hires 300 contractors to sanitize stops and vehicles during pandemic

Yarra Trams Adds 300 Cleaners for Pandemic Safety

Melbourne's tram network has expanded its cleaning workforce with nearly 300 new contractors focused on sanitizing stops, depots and vehicles, transit officials said. Yarra Trams hired the contractors through the Working for Victoria fund to enhance cleaning services across the network during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workers clean tram stops, depot facilities and light vehicles to keep employees and riders safe.

Program Supports Workers Displaced by Pandemic

The cleaning initiative provides employment opportunities for workers who lost jobs when the pandemic forced event venues and hospitality businesses to close, according to the transit agency. Many contractors previously worked in hospitality and entertainment sectors before being stood down when events ceased. The program addresses both public health needs and economic challenges facing workers displaced by COVID-19 restrictions. Transit agencies worldwide have increased cleaning protocols during the pandemic to maintain rider confidence in public transportation.

Contractors Clean Network Facilities Daily

The cleaning contractors work at facilities including Kew Depot and throughout the tram network, officials said. Workers sanitize tram stops, depot buildings and light vehicles as part of enhanced safety protocols. The contractors were hired through Spotless, part of the Downer Group, which manages cleaning operations for Yarra Trams. Specific details about cleaning frequencies and protocols at individual locations weren't available by publication time.

Workers Begin Roles After Brief Training

The contractors began working at depots and across the network after completing training, transit officials said. Workers have been on the job for several weeks, though officials didn't provide a specific start date for the program. The agency said the team at Yarra Trams has been supportive of new contractors as they adapt to their roles. Additional details about training duration and ongoing program timelines weren't immediately available.

Enhanced Cleaning Aims to Reassure Riders

The expanded cleaning workforce aims to make riders feel safer using public transport during the pandemic, according to the transit agency. Contractors expressed pride in their roles maintaining cleanliness across Melbourne's tram network. Officials said the enhanced cleaning protocols will continue as needed to protect employees and the public. Riders can check Moovit for real-time tram updates and service information across Melbourne's network.