Copper Pilot Project
Copper is back on Metro Vancouver’s transit system!
We’re excited to announce that Phase Two of our industry-leading copper pilot project has launched as of September 28 and will run for one year.
Phase Two is a continuation of our successful pilot in 2020, in which TransLink became the first transit agency in North America to test copper-based products for their ability to destroy bacteria on high-touch surfaces.
The project was the result of an innovative partnership between TransLink, Teck Resources, Vancouver Coastal Health, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, Coalition for Healthcare Acquired Infection Reduction, and the University of British Columbia. Phase One took place over five weeks and tested copper products on two trolleybuses and two SkyTrain cars. The results were very encouraging. Based on sample-testing performed on transit and in a lab, the study concluded that copper is capable of killing up to 99.9 per cent of all bacteria within one hour of contact. Phase Two will include further testing on more train cars and buses over a one-year period, to assess their durability over time and their ability to kill both bacteria and viruses.
We are also excited to welcome three new partners to the project as part of Phase Two: the Toronto Transit Commission, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Westech Cleaning Audit Systems.
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Did you know?
- Copper is the only solid metal touch surface registered as a public health product by Health Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, proven to naturally eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria.
- Antimicrobial copper has been installed in more than 300 healthcare facilities in 26 countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.
- Copper surfaces are also being installed in training centers for professional sports teams, airports and restaurants, where uses range from exercise equipment to elevator buttons to kitchen appliances.
- Copper’s antimicrobial properties are supported by over 200 peer-reviewed scientific studies.
- TransLink was the first transit agency in North America to test copper products on vehicles and is a member of the international Copper Action Hub.
Keeping our customers safe
Our goal is to make transit one of the safest public spaces so we’re looking at new ways to innovate and build upon our Safe Operating Action Plan. COVID-19 transmission has not been linked to transit and Public Health remains supportive of transit use and the continued efforts of TransLink.
To learn more:
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