Transport for London (TfL) reports that it is erasing approximately 4,000 instances of graffiti daily on the Central and Bakerloo Tube lines.

The organization cites a significant rise in vandalism on trains and the difficulties associated with maintaining cleanliness.

TfL has a diminished number of trains operating on the Central line due to ongoing upgrades, with five trains being refurbished at a time. Meanwhile, the Bakerloo line operates the oldest train fleet, resulting in even fewer available trains.

As a result, TfL explains, some trains must be returned to service despite having graffiti, or else they risk disrupting the established schedule.

At the Hainault Depot, the crew has been tirelessly working, successfully removing 23,000 tags of graffiti in just the past two months.

Dan Pincott from TfL noted, “Removing graffiti involves using buffers because it’s leather dye, not conventional paint.

“Regular graffiti removers are ineffective, so we require specialized tools.

“The removal process requires long, intense hours of labor.”

TFI elaborated that alcohol-based leather dye presents the greatest challenge, as it penetrates the fibers rather than remaining on the surface like regular paint.

According to TfL, the whole cleaning operation can extend over several days.

Richard Jones, the Director of Asset Performance Delivery, mentioned, “Previously, we had spare trains available. If a train sustained damage either inside or out, it would remain out of service.

“However, to sustain operations, some damaged trains now need to be put into public service.”

Mr. Jones further stated, “Graffiti diminishes the perceived safety of the Underground and can attract more criminal behavior, making prompt removal essential, a matter we take very seriously.

“We receive numerous complaints from customers.”

TfL also announced plans to enhance the number of cleaning teams and collaborate with law enforcement to address the issue of vandalism more effectively.