Anti-microbial poles for public transport could help in future pandemics

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic many people have been hesitant about taking public transport. In part, this is due to the potential risk of picking up germs from areas travellers must use, such as the grab-poles on trains, buses and trams.

Project AMICABLE is working to make public transport safer and, vitally, feel safer for travellers. Researchers from WMG and other industrial partners have come together to design and produce anti-microbial grab-poles  – a step-change in hygiene for public transport.

The lightweight composite poles can be used in a wide range of public transport applications, such as bus, tram and rail, with the ability to retrofit them to existing vehicles. This means that the transmission of infections like COVID-19 can be reduced on both new vehicles and old vehicles alike. An added bonus is that the poles are a fraction of the weight of their steel counterparts, meaning that fuel usage can be reduced and public transport can move even further towards net zero.

Back to Shaping a healthier society