Transport for London has launched a 12-month pilot to assess whether cleaning services across parts of its network could be delivered in house.
The pilot, confirmed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on 28 September, follows his announcement in January that TfL would explore insourcing its cleaning operations. The authority has worked with current contractor Mitie and the RMT union to develop the scheme.
Pilot locations
The trial covers Victoria line stations, excluding King’s Cross, Oxford Circus and Warren Street, as well as bus stations at Finsbury Park, Euston, Tottenham Hale, Vauxhall and Walthamstow.
It also includes Victoria Coach Station, British Transport Police locations at Buckingham Palace Road and Finsbury Park, and Northumberland Park Depot, where Victoria line trains are maintained and prepared.
Around 250 cleaners will be seconded to TfL for the duration of the pilot. The authority does not currently have specialist cleaning, facilities management and associated capabilities, and said the trial would help it develop internal expertise while assessing the potential benefits and challenges of insourcing.
Measuring the outcome
TfL said it would assess the pilot against safety, security, environmental performance, customer experience and feedback, operational indicators, quality and cost. Regular surveys will also be carried out with staff involved in the scheme.
At the end of the 12-month period, TfL will review the results before deciding on next steps. The pilot does not itself confirm a permanent move to in-house cleaning.
Khan said: “I’m delighted to confirm a new comprehensive pilot scheme exploring how TfL could deliver cleaning services in-house will begin this week.
“I’ve long championed insourcing where possible, and that of course includes our hard working and essential cleaning staff. I’m pleased that TfL is taking this important step both for customers and for the dedicated cleaning colleagues who help keep London moving.
“I look forward to seeing the outcome of the pilot and want to thank the RMT for their work and invaluable input, which supports my aim of building a fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”
Josh Crompton, senior delivery lead for the cleaning pilot at TfL, said the trial would help the authority understand the steps needed to deliver the services in house. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union would work with TfL throughout the pilot to support its success.