Vandalism and cleanliness on public transport are not just aesthetic issues; they can have a real impact on both operational costs and the passenger experience.
Dirty, damaged, or neglected vehicles create a perception of low-quality service, discouraging passengers from choosing public transit.
Beyond that, they directly impact maintenance budgets and vehicle downtime, resulting in costly consequences.
Every year, PTOs invest millions of dollars into cleaning and restoring vehicle interiors and exteriors. However, despite routine cleaning and maintenance, passenger complaints about dirt and damage continue to surface and even increase in many countries. Although standard cleaning protocols and methods are in place, some key structural issues remain. Here are some of the challenges:
1. Time-consuming and manual labor-intensive daily cabin cleaning routines, external wash, and periodic thorough cleaning (includes harsh scrubbing in both interior and exterior, vacuuming, and pest control).
2. Graffiti and gum residue are tough to handle, especially on seats, as well as some difficult-to-remove stickers.
3. Tools & chemicals: most cleaning materials aren’t optimized for public transport settings. Some are ineffective, while others damage surfaces or leave strong odors.
4. Damaged seats and cushioning: the fabric wears out quickly or is not durable enough, leading to repeated replacement.
5. Reactive approach: issues are addressed only after complaints, leading to inconsistent vehicle quality.
What are
we looking for?
We are seeking solutions that will help PTOs address these issues with smarter, more scalable approaches.
Innovations in the following areas are of interest:
1. Smart cleaning: automation or tools that improve cleaning precision and/or speed.
2. Resilient design for interior and exterior: durable materials such as seat fabrics, coatings, or modular design that minimizes visible wear and tear and simplifies replacement.
3. Predictive cabin maintenance: automatic monitoring for proactive detection of hygiene or vandalism hotspots to trigger early intervention.
4. Effective eco-friendly cleaning materials: strong yet safe products that meet environmental standards and are odorless.
5. Behavioral deterrence: technologies or designs that discourage vandalism through environmental or psychological nudges