Supertram Presentation Team at Work

Behind every journey on Supertram is the work of our Presentation Team. They look after every part of the network, including trams, tram stops, shelters and surrounding infrastructure, helping it to stay safe, welcoming, and well-maintained each day.

While routine cleaning and maintenance is part of their day-to-day work, the team also carries out more detailed checks and deep cleaning when needed. Recently, one of our Siemens trams received a thorough deep clean as part of this ongoing programme. This work focused on areas that are harder to reach during standard cleaning and helped maintain the quality our customers expect.

Supertram cleaning team doing a detailed review of the vehicle's condition

Continuous care

The deep clean began with a detailed review of the vehicle’s condition. The team inspected the tram, identified areas needing specialist attention, and developed a structured cleaning plan. Work was carried out across dedicated sessions in the workshop to ensure everything could be done safely, thoroughly, and without disrupting service.

 A team of two cleaning while wearing protective gears


Safety was a priority throughout, with the team using the right protective clothing and equipment while tackling tasks that required close attention to detail.

An initial demo trial of the chewing gum removal machine on another tram
An initial demo trial of the chewing gum removal machine on another tram

An initial demo trial of the chewing gum removal machine on another tram.

Tackling the toughest areas

Innovative equipment, including new chewing gum removal machinery, was tested during the deep clean and proved highly effective, lifting stubborn gum from floors, side panels, and seat bases.    
 


Other highlights included:

  • Carefully removing overhead panels and signage to clear built-up dust and dirt before refitting them in a clean condition
  • Dismantling seat bases and backs to clean the surrounding flooring thoroughly
  • Resealing worn stair edging to ensure passenger safety and prevent trip hazards
 
A team of two carefully removing overhead panels and signage to clear built-up dust and dirt
A team of two carefully removing overhead panels and signage to clear built-up dust and dirt
 
  • Floor scrubbing and seat cleaning
  • Detailed cleaning of the driver’s cab
  • Polishing and buffing the tram exterior to restoring shine and presentation
A team polishing and buffing the tram exterior to restore shine and presentation
A team polishing and buffing the tram exterior to restore shine and presentation
A team polishing and buffing the tram exterior to restore shine and presentation
A team polishing and buffing the tram exterior to restore shine and presentation


Each stage of the process showed the difference a coordinated, in-depth approach can make. The results speak for themselves, with brighter interiors, cleaner surfaces, and an improved overall finish.

The tram interior cleaner surfaces and an improved overall finish
The tram interior cleaner surfaces and an improved overall finish


We’re working hard to bring our whole fleet up to a similar standard as other recently deep-cleaned vehicles, wherever possible.

Team effort

This work showcased collaboration across departments, combining engineering expertise with cleaning and facilities know-how. Managing Director Sean English worked alongside the team throughout the two-day programme.

Managing Director Sean English and the team

Sean English said:

“This project is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together as one team. Everyone brought their skills and experience to the table, and the result speaks for itself.”

Looking ahead

This deep clean is part of an ongoing programme to maintain high standards across the fleet. Even at 30 years old, careful maintenance and cleaning are key to keeping our trams safe, reliable, and comfortable for customers and colleagues alike.

Insights from this work will continue to guide maintenance across the network, helping ensure the current fleet performs at its best until the arrival of a new fleet, expected in 2030 (subject to funding).

From regular cleaning to more detailed work like this, the Presentation Team is continuously improving how Supertram looks and feels across the communities we serve.

You may have noticed ongoing improvements at our tram stops, where refurbishment and repainting help keep shelters and infrastructure in great condition. Our recent Shalesmoor painting project is one example of how focused presentation work enhances the look and feel of the network.

Before
Before cleaning – tram interior condition prior to treatment
After
After cleaning – improved tram interior surface finish
Tram interior cleaning detail view
Tram interior cleaning result after treatment

From deep cleaning vehicles to maintaining and refreshing infrastructure, this is all part of the Presentation Team’s continuous work to keep Supertram safe, welcoming, and well-presented.

A huge thank you to everyone involved for their hard work, dedication and attention to detail.

To see more from our teams in action, check out these videos showing the work that goes into keeping the rest of our network clean and welcoming:

Tram cleaning with Super Mario:

Watch the video on Facebook

Tram stop shelter cleaning:

Watch the video on Facebook

Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X  to see more of the fantastic work our Cleaning and Facilities teams do to keep our network looking its best.