Hi - I would like to which routes the Arriva Bus Depot in Dartford (Central Road, Dartford DA1 5BG) currently services? From these routes the number of buses tied to these routes and thus serviced by the depot? Dates the route contracts are up for renewal and the number of complaints against the depot? Thanks.

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TfL Ref: FOI-0217-2021

Thank you for your emails of 14^th and 19^th May 2020 asking for information about Dartford bus depot.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. 

I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.

In relation to your first two questions, while TfL does hold this information I am afraid that the responsible staff members are currently furloughed and there is no easy or efficient way for us to access the data without them. Having liaised with senior personnel in our buses team, I am afraid I have no option at the current time but to refuse these requests under section 14 of the FOI Act, given the need for the team to focus its current resource on the ongoing response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Section 14 applies where responding to a request would, according to guidance from the Information Commissioner, “..cause a disproportionate or unjustified level of disruption”. In the current context, we believe that diverting staff away from their principal function of providing a safe transport network would be both disproportionate and unjustified. We therefore believe that the exemption rightfully applies. However, that said, I am informed that you may find some useful information online here:

http://londonbusroutes.net/

In relation to your question about re-contracting, due to the need to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, including changes to bus services, we are not in a position to say exactly when new contracts will be finalised. The retendering process has been delayed as we concentrate on emergency planning. We intend to continue with contract tendering as far as we can while balancing this with emergency arrangements. As and when contracts are finalised, we will publish these on the contracts finder website here: https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

In regard to your question about complaints, I can provide information back to the beginning of 2017 (a different case managerment system was in place prior to that, and the staff member who has access to that legacy system is on furlough). Since 2017, there have been 24 complaints about Dartford Garage (including any routes that are operated from that location) related to noise issues (most of these relate to engines being left running).

On a more general matter, please note that the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.

In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.

Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely,

David Wells

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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