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    1. Safety & Security

    ETS installs anti-microbial push-plates as part of six-month pilot program

    Jan. 25, 2021
    The push-plates have the look and feel of ceramic tile, but are made of compressed salt to neutralize germs.
    Related To: Edmonton Transit Service (ETS)
    Edmonton Transit Service
    Please touch: ETS began installation of new push-plates made from compressed salt that have the look and feel of tile, but come with added germ fighting capabilities.
    Please touch: ETS began installation of new push-plates made from compressed salt that have the look and feel of tile, but come with added germ fighting capabilities.

    Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) is installing push-plates with antimicrobial surfaces on swing doors at some transit centers and light-rail stations as part of a pilot program. The installation began last week at Bay/Enterprise Square LRT Station and will be rolled out in a phased manner.   

    ETS is collaborating with Outbreaker Solutions on the program to install the germ-killing push-plates to further enhance health and safety on transit for passengers and staff.

    The push-plates are flat, made of highly compressed salt and safe to touch. They look and feel just like a ceramic tile. The company has published its research showing the push-plates are effective in killing a majority of germs, including viruses, bacteria and fungi in just a few seconds, due to the salt crystals piercing the membrane walls of the germs, effectively neutralizing them.

    “We are excited to partner with ETS to launch our antimicrobial surface. This project is a major step forward for the commercialization of our fast, safe, accessible and passive infection prevention technology,” said Matt Hodgson, co-founder of Outbreaker Solutions. “The support from ETS has been incredible and it's great to see a made-in-Edmonton innovation get implemented by the city of Edmonton.”

    Based on results from the push-plates at Bay/Enterprise Square LRT Station, along with citizen feedback, it is anticipated that push-plates will be installed at nine other transit facilities during the next month. This pilot project will last for six months.

    “This is an exciting pilot project, not only because it’s a further safety enhancement for Edmontonians, but it’s also being done at no cost to taxpayers,” said Craig McKeown, director, LRT Operations and Maintenance, ETS. “Supporting local homegrown innovation like this makes perfect sense, as it contributes to the local economy and talent in the city.”

    In addition to the many health and safety enhancements already implemented on transit, new antimicrobial seats will be installed on nearly two thirds of the LRT fleet from late-January until March. These seats will have an antimicrobial additive in the plastic that can reduce up to 99.9 percent of microbes within two hours. ETS is considering using this additive for any further seat replacement on buses and LRT.

    ETS recommends Edmontonians continue to follow all COVID-19 related safety precautions, including practicing good hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing a mask when in public spaces, including while on transit.