Subway stations and cars are notorious transmitters of germs. A simple solution would be to equip subway stations with dispensers for anti-bacterial lotion, providing riders with a refreshing chance to wash up (no water needed.)
Riders would appreciate the convenience and cleanliness, manufacturers would appreciate the exposure (and the city could probably negotiate an affordable bulk discount for a pilot run), and the public health benefits would outweigh the (relatively minor) expense of installing and stocking the dispensers.
I agree
No opinion
I disagree
Add your comment
Since infection is spread not only by contact but also by the air, the lotion idea would not eliminate but only mitigate the problem. If you are concerned about the NY system, the recent closure of many of the coin booths and rise in the fare indicates that the system is operating at the edge of its economic possibilities. Any further expenditure is unlikely. Beyond that, there are germs everywhere and it is a wise caution to wash hands on arriving at a destination no matter what method of transport is chosen.
I call on the Owl: Who? Who is going to do this? The subway management will say it is a public health matter and so should be paid for out of the public health budget. The public health department will ask for scientific evidence of benefit and a cost-benefit analysis. My suggestion: Some entrepreneur puts packets of Hand Wipes in a vending machine and lets the free market run its course. I am not sure whether to put them next to the Twinkies or the Trojans. Probably try both.
I agree that putting in dispensers will be neither free nor solve the whole problem, but it could be a useful and feasible step.
Transit authorities currently expend lots of resources to sanitize cars and stations, and installing a few dispensers is a marginal cost increase in a fairly large budget. It's also a highly visible step that advances their overall goal--increasing rider confidence and convenience while improving the subway's image.
The problem with the entrepreneur solution is that only people with money or a real desire will take advanatage. As a result, society loses the positive externalities that could be gained if we provide antibacterial lotion to those who might not usually use it. The more people who have access, the more people have clean hands, and the better off everyone is (and the benefits extend beyond subway riders...)
The Owl poses a good question. But remember that the US state, local and federal gov spends hundreds of billions each year to improve autoroutes; one of the primary (stated) reasons for many measures (e.g. regrading) is to save lives and reduce risks. If it can be demostrated that making antibacterial lotion more available will improve public health, there's no reason the gov, through the transit authorities, shouldn't invest in improving safety on public transportation...
50% of all the men that use a bathroom do NOT wash their hands. Do you really think people are going to use a sanitizing lotion? If you want to do something about the spread of disease, use military antibacterial materials for the seats and handrails. As for the air, people should be required by law to wear a dust mask when they have an illness.
I heartily agree with this. Something should be done about those subways, they're absolutely disgusting.
I heartily agree with this. Something should be done about those subways, they're absolutely disgusting.