Thameslink attempt to eradicate vandalism problem on trains
If you’ve used a Thameslink train at all for the past few years the state of train interiors probably hasn’t passed you by.
It’s mostly apparent (though not always) in the toilets which are often in a bit of state.
Now the company are applying vinyl coverings across the fleet in an attempt to prevent vandalism and present less of a New York in the 1980s vibe.
The poor state of trains is common all over the network on both 8-car sets running on routes such as the Luton to Rainham’s as well as 12-car between, say, Brighton to Cambridge.
Reasons why have been speculated upon online where it hasn’t avoided attention. The sparse, clinical nature of the interiors encourages it? Poor cleaning and upkeep?
Or a lack of any passenger-facing staff on trains across the network perhaps, and in addition the nature of many stations also seeing little or no staffing.
Whatever it is the trains quickly fell into a condition not seen on many other routes. Though it’s not something that’s only applied to Thameslink given how the Bakerloo and Central lines began to appear.
If nothing else the vinyl wrapping should make it easier to wipe away any vandalism that does occur.
Whether tagging then spread into carriages themselves remains to be seen.
Graffiti isn’t just the main problem on trains. Buses too have been suffering from graffiti and even public toilets that have graffiti. Perhaps punish those who graffiti on the trains and public transport and make them pay for their crimes.
I just don’t understand why that someone would go to such extreme lengths to graffiti inside the toilet on the train and to make it less appealing. And it’s costing the train company or train operator £thousands to clean up the graffiti that have been left behind.