Our ref: FOI-0104-2122/GH Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 16 April 2021 asking for communications between new bus manufacturer Arrival and TfL. 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, however, communications of this nature contain commercially sensitive information, and are therefore exempt from disclosure under section 43(2) of the Freedom of information Act, as disclosure would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests. 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 where the expenditure of public money is concerned, but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that we are able to engage freely with companies regarding their products or services, outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes. We can, however, advise that Arrival are developing their own electric bus and as such have enquired about the bus vehicle specification in London. There is no negotiation taking place and TfL are engaging with Arrival as they would with any prospective manufacturers. If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation. 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