Our ref: FOI-0005-1718

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 31 March 2017 asking for information about card readers.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

We have already advised you that we will not provide you with the information requested, as this information could be used to assist with fare evasion.

Additionally, we are not obliged to provide you with the information requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2). In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests. Transport for London owns the Intellectual Property (IP) of its current Reader as used on London Underground gates, validation equipment and bus devices in London. In order to protect our commercial interests in this IP we would not share this information with third parties.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, particularly, but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that we are able to protect our Intellectual property outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London