Transit Study
Study: How to Stop Disease from Traveling
A route of transmission of cold, flu, diarrhea and other common infections is through contact with surfaces contaminated with infectious microorganisms (pathogens) (Boone and Gerba, 2007). Contamination occurs by settling of droplets from coughs and sneezes onto surfaces, and by touching of surfaces with hands contaminated with pathogens. The pathogens then contaminate the hands of the next person who touches the same surface, and when they bring their hands to their eyes, nose, or mouth infection can result.
Mass transportation systems create an environment in which large numbers of persons on a daily basis share space and interact with surfaces found within system vehicles. A study in the United Kingdom demonstrated an increase of respiratory infections (colds and flus) to persons if they had ridden on public transport five days previously (Troko et al., 2011).
The goal of this study was to assess bacterial loads on high touch areas within municipal buses and assess the use of a new coating provided by ABS on the long-term suppression of bacterial numbers on high touch areas within the buses. Public buses were tested on selected sites for heterotrophic bacteria. The most contaminated sites were the driver’s compartment and the fare box. One group of busses was then treated with the long-lasting disinfectant, and another was not. After 30 days statistically significantly fewer bacteria where present on the treated buses.