A sharp rise in graffiti vandalism on Central line trains has sparked calls for urgent action from London Assembly Member for Ealing & Hillingdon, Bassam Mahfouz.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed the increase following a letter from Mr Mahfouz, revealing that incidents have surged in recent months. While the motive behind the spike remains unclear, TfL has deployed extra cleaning teams to tackle the problem and remove graffiti promptly.
Working with contractors, the teams aim to maintain cleanliness standards and minimise disruption for passengers. TfL is also urging the public to report graffiti sightings to help speed up removals.
Bassam Mahfouz AM said: “The recent surge in graffiti on Central line trains is concerning and costly. Londoners have become used to, and deserve, a clean, safe, and reliable transport network, yet these vandalised carriages are an affront to the eye and leave passengers feeling less safe.
“The Central line is clearly being targeted. It’s costing Londoners in clean-up cost and pride in our city.
“I welcome TfL’s recognition of the problem and their commitment of additional resources to tackle this blight. But the only way to really address such a scourge is to adopt a zero-tolerance strategy to stamp out graffiti for good. Only then can we restore the Central line to the standard passengers expect and ensure London’s transport system remains a source of pride, not frustration.”
