Train, bus operators step up cleansing measures against H1N1

BANGKOK, June 15 (TNA) – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) stepped up preventive measures to disinfect trains and buses to prevent the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1).
 
SRT governor Yutthana Thapcharoen said the new measures included are the cleaning and disinfecting carried out at the terminals for each train trip at its origin and destination.
 
Earlier, such disinfecting was done only after trains crossed international borders on connecting routes to neighbouring countries, he said.
 
Workers spray disinfectant inside and outside trains. Seats and other passenger touching points on the trains are wiped with disinfectant. Blankets, towels, bed sheets, pillow covers for sleeping carriages are heated in dryers to kill germs.
 
An assessment will be conducted next month. If the measures are not effective enough, the SRT will increase the preventative measures to prevent the new flu, he added.
 
Meanwhile, Acting Director Chairat Sa-nguansue of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) held a media conference on the BMTA measures to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.
 
He said the BMTA has launched five preventive measures, including cleaning handrails with disinfectant when buses arrive at bus terminals.
 
Curtains are sent to be laundered and ventilation fans operate every ten minutes. Bus drivers also wear masks as a part of the preventive measures being put in place. (TNA)