Request ID: FOI-0225-2122 Date published: 18 May 2021
You asked
For the last year (13 periods to April 2021), how many cases of “Racial/Homophobic Abuse” have been logged under “Buses”?
What percentage of these were handled by Bus Investigations (as is the correct procedure)?
May I have the same data with regard to London Underground
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0225-2122/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 29 April 2021 asking for information about accusations of racism on public transport.
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.
Please see the attached tables for the information requested. Please note that these figures are for all cases logged under the “Racial/Homophobic Abuse” code. These do not necessarily indicate that a member of staff was involved (as the complaint could relate to a member of the public using racial slurs, for example).
The number of complaints received is lower over the span of this report when compared to previous years. The pandemic may well be a factor in that over the last year or so as passenger numbers have been lower, though we might also find the heightened levels of concern/fear might actually contribute to this kind of issue. Drivers are more likely to be entering into confrontational situations with customers over things like mask usage, social distancing and issues around who can use school services. It is also important to note that an allegation of racist abuse is not the same as there actually having been an incident.
If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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