Transforming commute experiences: Crafting transit areas to enhance individual welfare
In the daily routine of many commuters, the train ride serves as a sanctuary for reading, thinking, or mental preparation. However, for some, this journey can be less pleasant due to factors unrelated to delays or crowding. To improve cleanliness, odor, and ambience on public train rides, a combination of enhanced on-board housekeeping, odor management, and environmental improvements is effective.
Improving Cleanliness
The first step towards a cleaner train ride is implementing dedicated On Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS). These services focus on timely and thorough cleaning of coaches and especially toilets, with mechanized laundry systems for linen hygiene. Indian Railways has shown that mechanized laundering and continuous feedback mechanisms reduce passenger complaints on cleanliness [1]. Clear campaigns promoting proper garbage disposal and anti-littering help maintain cleanliness during the journey [3].
Controlling Odors
For odor control, especially in bio-toilets and passenger areas, frequent cleaning, maintenance, and the use of air fresheners or neutralizing scents are useful. Addressing sewage leaks and ensuring well-maintained restroom facilities are essential to avoid unpleasant odors reported by passengers [4].
Enhancing Ambience
To enhance the ambience, improvements such as installing pleasant lighting, maintaining upholstery and flooring in good condition, and adding subtle ambient scents can create a more relaxing environment. Taking cues from best practices like those used in environment-friendly laundries (recycling water and energy-efficient heating) can also contribute to a greener, more pleasant onboard environment [1].
Personal hygiene practices by passengers, such as using hand sanitizer and respecting shared spaces, complement these structural efforts to keep trains clean and fresh [5].
A Welcome Pause
On some days, the train ride can be a calm and quiet respite, providing a welcome pause from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Yet, on other days, the train's ambience may feel off, and the individual taking the train daily for commuting cannot precisely name what is amiss.
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In summary, a well-managed housekeeping schedule, odor neutralization, preventive maintenance of bio-toilets, use of mechanized clean linen, passenger awareness campaigns on waste disposal, and improvements in interiors will collectively enhance the cleanliness, odor, and ambience of a public train ride, making it a more enjoyable and comfortable journey for all commuters.
- Implementing On Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS) focusing on timely cleaning, mechanized laundry systems for hygiene, and clear campaigns for proper garbage disposal can help in improving cleanliness on public trains.
- For control of odors in public trains, frequent cleaning, maintenance, and use of air fresheners or neutralizing scents in bio-toilets and passenger areas are effective measures.
- To enhance the ambience, installing pleasant lighting, maintaining upholstery and flooring, and adding ambient scents can create a more relaxing environment. Adopting eco-friendly practices like water and energy recycling can also contribute to the greener, more pleasant onboard environment.
- Personal practices such as using hand sanitizers and respecting shared spaces complement these structural efforts in keeping trains clean and fresh. Moreover, user-friendly features like bookmarking and managing newsletter subscriptions keep commuters informed about the latest improvements in public train travel.
