New research reveals that 1 in 3 people avoid the London Underground

But although the tube is known for its easy-to-use service, many avoid using the underground for one reason.

As new research has found that 1 in 3 Londoners tend to avoid commuting together due to hygiene reasons. 

It comes as Puressentiel carried out a survey on the commuters on the streets of London about their thoughts on the hygiene of the public transport network. 

Aware that it might take longer to not use public transport, 33% confessed to taking a longer or more costly commute in favour of it being a less crowded and more hygienic route.  

The same amount of Londoners also agreed that they would rather pay for the more expensive commute to work in a bid to avoid any germs. 

Research reveals 1 in 3 avoid public transport over hygiene fears

The poll by Puressentiel asked 2,000 commuters and discovered that 79% said they deliberately do not hold onto handrails when on a bus, train or tube due to hygiene reasons.  

It has also unearthed that 1 in 5 people would not do their usual commute if they had a cough or cold, with many (20%) saying they do not avoid touching grab rails on trains or tubes.  

Some revealed that they even go as far as taking a shower or bath after their commute with 70% believing you should not sit in or on the bed with outdoor clothes. 

However, not everyone feels the same, as 15% of people admitted that they do not wash their hands when they get in from a London commute.

Speaking of the research, a spokesperson from Puressentiel said: "Whilst many of us have adapted and improved our commuting hygiene practices since the pandemic, from our research, we’ve seen that some are still unnecessarily contaminating their homes and others unbeknownst to them from their commute."

Adding: "The dangers of pollution outside aren’t new revelations, but many are still unaware of the dangers found indoors. In the UK 38% use air fresheners to keep their indoor air clean and 46% burn candles. 

"These cosmetic measures only add to the problem, it is far more important to address the root causes, improve air flow and adopt measures which remove or neutralise these indoor pollutants.”