Study: Enhanced cleaning of TTC buses counterproductive

Constant cleaning amid the COVID-19 pandemic may be a leading factor in delaying TTC buses, according to new analysis of transit data.

The Toronto Star reports the enhanced disinfection protocols related to COVID-19 are the leading cause of slowdowns during this pandemic.

Epidemiologist Colin Furness tells the Star the TTC should reconsider its approach. He says it is counterproductive if surface cleaning is causing bus delays to the extent that it could be creating more crowding.

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Infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch tells the paper that other precautionary measures like masking and proper ventilation are more effective and preventing transmission than rigorous cleaning.

“Focusing on wiping of surfaces, while helpful for other infections, is not going to be the most helpful for COVID-19.”

The transit agency is spending about a million dollars a month on daily disinfection.

The Star reports the average minimum time of each cleaning-related delay was greater than 12 minutes.