TfL to explore feasibility of bringing cleaning service back in-house in the future

Transport for London (TfL) has awarded facilities management firm Mitie a five-year outsourced cleaning contract, but is also exploring bringing services back in house in the medium term.

At the request of Mayor Sadiq Khan, TfL will also explore the potential to bring cleaning services in-house in the future. The contract includes establishing a dedicated TfL Cleaning Centre of Excellence, trialling new technologies, and using real-time data monitoring to improve operational efficiency. Mitie will also manage waste, pest control across the network, and operate a 24/7 graffiti response team for the TfL fleet.

TfL emphasized that it does not currently have in-house expertise in cleaning and facilities management. The pilot programme with Mitie is intended to help TfL assess the benefits of insourcing while understanding any potential impact on safety, security, environmental performance, customer satisfaction, quality, and cost.

Mayor Khan said:

“I have long championed insourcing where possible. I am pleased to see TfL taking this important step to explore potential benefits for customers, as well as for hardworking and dedicated cleaning colleagues.”

The contract announcement has drawn criticism from the RMT union, which argued that outsourced cleaners would not enjoy the same terms and conditions as London Underground staff. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said:

“Labour has promised the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation, and it is now time for a Labour Mayor to take Tube cleaners back in-house without delay.”

TfL stressed that collaboration with Mitie and trade union partners will form a key part of the pilot, helping to build internal expertise and evaluate the potential advantages of bringing cleaning services back under direct TfL management.