SPRAY NO MORE - WIPING OUT GRAFFITI FOR A CLEANER COMMUTE

April was Graffiti Reduction Month, and during this time, our fleet team has dedicated their efforts to raising awareness about the impact of graffiti on ARL. Exchange Extra recently had conversations with key stakeholders and frontline colleagues to gain deeper insights into our challenges and the proactive measures we're taking.

"Graffiti is often associated with gang activity, antisocial behaviour, vandalism, and various forms of crime. Its presence creates a perception of an unsafe environment, affecting travel behaviour," noted Lesalline Yoganantha, fleet crime reduction coordinator.

To grasp the significance of Graffiti Reduction Month, it's crucial to understand the prevalence of graffiti on our trains. Leighton Davies, fleet control manager, highlighted his team's role: "We have a team of five working round the clock to ensure the safety and appearance of 110 trains, including combating graffiti. We collaborate closely with Brian King and our Traincare colleagues to ensure a graffiti-free fleet each morning."

For smaller graffiti incidents, the Traincare team uses vinyls to temporarily cover graffiti on the train carriages internally. Ian Goakes, train presentation standards compliance manager, emphasized the importance of their role in reporting and addressing such issues promptly.

Toni-Anne Davis, communications coordinator, visited Violeta Caloianu and her team at Stratford's platform One to understand their approach to tackling graffiti. They demonstrated their reporting process and how they work with Alstrom to remove graffiti efficiently.

While vinyl covers help with smaller graffiti, larger graffiti requires immediate attention. Violeta explained, "We report larger graffiti to control and cover the affected areas. However, vinyls can't be used on glass, between seats, or handrails, so Alstrom swiftly handles those areas."

External graffiti, especially offensive ones, leads to trains being taken out of service promptly. Leighton Davies explained the process of reporting and removal through the Alstom system, ensuring graffiti is addressed promptly.

Jason Valentine, fleet control manager, highlighted the impact of graffiti on service interruptions. Removing trains from service due to graffiti affects our ability to serve customers effectively.

Graffiti not only tarnishes our reputation but can also incite further vandalism. Prompt removal is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of our customers and fleet.

Let's stay committed to combating graffiti vandalism as we wrap up April. Our strategy involves additional resources for swift removal, improved reporting procedures, and collaboration with law enforcement and Network Rail.

Here's to a future where our trains are pristine and graffiti-free!

Scroll down to see Violeta and Ebenezer Oladunni demonstrating how these vinyls are placed.