As described above, “The Clean Car Program” of the mid-80s in New York was based upon Lines and depots.
Each depot was first barricaded with fences and patrolling dogs, then the trains in that depot remained in until every train was spotlessly cleaned.
Posters at stations announced the Program, explaining the reduction in service would be severe for many days
while each depot was dealt with.
Once that depot was ticked off, the trains were allowed to depart and the next depot was done.
Trains then tagged inside while in service were descended upon by a team of cleaners who scrubbed every inch of the interior and allowed the train to continue.
If they were unable to tackle any marks in the specified time, the train was immediately removed from service and returned to depot.
Trains due for withdrawal within the next six months were not cleaned so heavily, on a visit in 1985 Line M trains only had the glass areas cleaned, all interior and exterior finishes were not touched, except for the reapplication of safety and other notices.
The R10 trains were repainted traditional green with gold fleetnames, the A Division interworked fleet of R26 R28 R29 R33 R36 were painted red, after many trials of suitable finishes, then being dubbed The Redbirds.
Sadly in London the opposite occurred, where Staff notices and warnings were given if trains were removed from service “as we cannot allow these people to see that their work reduces the train service”.
