Essential work of cleaning continues at BART: “We can make it through this”

BART station and train car cleaners are using this time of lower ridership to rev up their cleaning efforts.

"We're tasked every day to maintain the cleanliness of the station for the safety of the customers and also for the workers here," said cleaner Chad Briscoe as he worked at Pittsburg/Bay Point Station on Monday, March 30, 2020.

"A lot of customers and workers come through this station every day," he said. "We disinfect the hand rails, disinfect all the 'hot points,' we call them, places where hands touch most frequently."

He said the cleaners are using neutral cleaning products that are safe for the public but still tough on germs.

"We just want to get the job done and make sure the safety is maintained and the cleanliness is maintained," he said. "You know, just keep a clean and safe environment for everyone who needs to use BART... just keeping everyone happy."

One happy customer was Freddy Miller, boarding a train.

"I ride BART every day," Miller said. "I want to thank all the BART workers for keeping the trains clean, keeping us safe, and doing what you do. I know it's a thankless job, but you're doing a great job. We can make it through this, but we have to do it together."

Photos & video by MARIA J. AVILA and CHERYL STALTER | Words by MELISSA JORDAN | BART Communications