DHAKA: “Ride-shares averaged almost three times more germs than a toothbrush holder,” while the number of microorganisms in both ride-shares and rental cars was more than that found on toilet seats and in coffee pot reservoirs, a study said.

The recent study suggests that taxis, rental cars and ride-hailing vehicles are full of germs. The report reflects similar findings in recent years, which show how means of public transportation, primarily buses and trains, can be hotspots of bacteria.

A test team from an online insurance comparison site took samples from seat belts, door handles and window buttons on taxis and ride-hailed vehicles. It checked the steering wheel, gear shift and seat belts in random rental cars in South Florida.

Testers expected taxis to yield the highest amount of bacteria, since cleanliness seems to be the biggest complaint people have with taxis, reports the Times of India.

But when lab results came with counts for the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) and bacteria present, it was actually app-based ride-hailed cars that turned out to have the most germs.

The study found more than six million CFUs per square inch on an average, while rentals averaged a smaller amount of two million CFU/sq in.

“When you rent a car, take a moment to wipe key surfaces such as the steering wheel and gear shift with a soap-based wipe before you touch them,” the report advises.

“And once you leave the cab or ride-share, wash your hands as soon as possible - and avoid touching your face until you do,” it concluded.

BDST: 0913 HRS, May 26, 2016
BD