Friday, May 1, 2009

MBTA steps up cleaning to prevent spread of swine flu

In the wake of Vice President Biden's misguided comments urging people to avoid subways, the MBTA says its increasing its cleaning of subway cars, buses, and public areas.

“The MBTA has directed its cleaning crews to give special attention to places such as seats, hand rails on escalators, and grab bars on subway cars and buses,” T General Manager Daniel Grabauskas told The Herald in an e-mail. “People should not hesitate in going about their daily activities while also keeping themselves informed about how to stay healthy.”

Biden later apologized for the comments and said that he meant to say that if you are sick, you shouldn't travel. But, as The Herald found out, some people are still fearful of taking the subway because of the potential flu outbreak.

Hopefully, the MBTA's ramped up cleaning program will make people feel safer about using public transit to get around the Greater Boston area.

For more info on the MBTA cleaning program, check out this story from The Herald.