This is certainly a real challenge for us at South West Trains. We have many trains that were designed for a time when the number of disposable items brought on to trains was far fewer. We now have coffee cups, fast food cartons and free newspapers, such as Metro, to contend with. We are also closely regulated on where we can and can't provide platform bins. However, there are many things we can, and are doing, to help ensure that litter doesn't accumulate on our trains.
We have regular litter picks with on-train staff emptying bins, and picking up litter, including turnaround cleans at London Waterloo and other main stations. We have comprehensive train presentation standards, followed up through regular inspections of trains. We have also been able to re-introduce platform litter bags on many stations.
Also, all of our new and refurbished trains will have larger, more visible litter bins. As the older trains are phased out, and with the continuation of good practice, I would hope this will enable us to stay on top of the litter challenge. Recent feedback and inspections show we are making improvements.
Maggie Beecher, Head of Train Presentation