STEAM-cleaned toilets, chewing-gum free seats and laundered curtains will soon be on offer for North Yorkshire commuters as GNER goes spotless.

The York-based train operator is investing £10 million in a new train cleaning regime set to make the fleet cleaner than ever.

Two trains a week will get an overhaul which includes soil extraction from carpets, chemical cleaning of ceilings and the laundering of curtains and seat covers.

GNER's 350-strong train cleaning crew will be tackling dirt and grime in a stricter regime, using special cleaning equipment aimed at blitzing the muck that would otherwise accumulate.

Peter Woods, GNER's cleaning services and delivery manager, said: "We carry more than 30,000 passengers a day, which of course means that our cleaning regime needs to be vigorous.

"Train cleanliness, both inside and out, is very important to our passengers and we know that a clean train creates a good and lasting impression."

Although most heavy cleaning is carried out at night when trains are out of service at maintenance depots, GNER has also introduced a 30-strong team of on-board cleaners or "In-Transit" cleaners, who collect rubbish, empty litter bins and freshen up toilets while trains are on the move.

"By taking pride in the appearance of our trains, passengers are able to enjoy some of the fantastic views available on this picturesque route, rather than trying to peer through dirty windows."

GNER hopes soon to start a complete refurbishment of its passenger coaches as part of an investment programme being discussed with the Strategic Rail Authority.

A spokesman said that although a new train cleaning programme has been introduced there were no plans to ban smoking from trains. Virgin introduced completely non-smoking trains from September 1 - with cleanliness cited as one of the main reasons for the change of policy.

Updated: 09:44 Saturday, October 06, 2001