Request ID: FOI-0323-2324 Date published: 25 May 2023
You asked
Hi
I would like to know if TFL have produced figures on how much they will save annually from dissolving routes 346 and 347 into the 497.
Regards
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0323-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 29th April 2023 asking for information about savings from dissolving bus routes 346 and 347 into the 497. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. Specifically you asked: “I would like to know if TFL have produced figures on how much they will save annually from dissolving bus routes 346 and 347 into the 497.” I can confirm that we hold the information you require. These proposals are subject to consultation (see here) and no final decision will be made until after we have considered the responses and feedback received via that process. If we were to go ahead with the proposals we would have to enter negotiation on the financial implications of them with the bus operator (as you will probably be aware, London’s buses are operated by private companies under contract with TfL). Given this, the requested information (which is held in the form of an estimate rather than the actual savings that might be achieved) is exempt from disclosure under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption that can apply where release of information would prejudice commercial interests. This reflects the fact that information released under FOI is considered to be to the world at large, rather than the individual applicant. If we were to release the information requested this would undermine TfL’s negotiating position with the operator, potentially to the detriment of the public purse. The application of this exemption is subject to consideration of the ‘Public Interest Test’, whereby we have to judge whether the overall balance of public interest favours the exemption applying and the information being withheld, or in releasing it in any event. We appreciate the need for openness and transparency in the operation of our business, and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we believe the overall balance of public interest lies in the exemption applying, in order to ensure that TfL secures the best value for public money in any such negotiations. 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
