Inquiry Regarding Railway Network Comparison for Master's Thesis
Request ID: FOI-0446-2425 Date published: 23 May 2024
You asked
Hello,
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to inquire if it would be possible to discuss some questions I have in the context of my master's thesis.
Currently, I am a first-year Master's student at the University of Cergy, pursuing a degree in Applied Geomatics for Urban Studies and Risks. I am also employed in an apprenticeship at SNCF Réseau. For my first year, I am working on a thesis comparing the railway networks of several global cities with that of the Île-de-France region, focusing on London and Tokyo.
Specifically, my research delves into the "railway culture," encompassing decisions regarding network maintenance, how companies manage it, its governance, and its historical development. Additionally, I am exploring socio-demographic aspects surrounding these railway networks, as well as characterizing my selection of global cities.
I would greatly appreciate your insights on the following questions:
Can you describe your railway network?
How do you invest in your railway network?
What distinguishes your railway network?
Do you monitor developments in railway networks in other countries?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0446-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 9th May 2024 asking for information about TfL rail services. 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 greatly appreciate your insights on the following questions: Can you describe your railway network? How do you invest in your railway network? What distinguishes your railway network? Do you monitor developments in railway networks in other countries..”
Please note, the Freedom of Information Act provides for the provision of specific, recorded information. It does not cover requests for explanation or opinion. As currently framed your questions are very broad in scope and do not ask for specific, recorded information. For example, note that TfL is responsible for a number of “rail” services in London including the London Underground, the London Overground, the Elizabeth Line, the Docklands Light Railway and the London tram network – there is no single “railway network” as implied. However, that said, note also that TfL proactively publishes a wealth of information on our website which will be of use to you. I would in particular point you to the following pages:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/what-we-do - this page explains the different modes that make up the Transport for London network (including rail services) and provides a basic description of each such service, with links also provided to some more in-depth information for each mode;
If, having reviewed this material (as well as the other information you can find on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/), you wish to submit a more refined request for specific, recorded information, then we will consider it accordingly.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
