I have read this: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-4994-1718 on your website, I was wondering if it is possible to have all the iBus announcements for the Metropolitan Line sent to me as mp3 files? Thank you very much for your help.

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Our ref: FOI-0606-1920

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28 May 2019 asking for copies of the announcements for the Metropolitan line.

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, as is stated in our response to the FOI you refer to (FOI-4994-1718) TfL is not obliged to supply the audio files for London Underground as the information is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2). The exemption covers the announcements for the Metropolitan line, and has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of TfL and Global Services Ltd. The recordings in question were provided to London Underground from Global Services Ltd under a signed contract which contained explicit conditions concerning disclosure and distribution.

The contract specifies that the recordings are solely to be used for the purpose for which they were created and for broadcast on the London Underground network only. If TfL were to disclose these recordings in response to an FOI request, it would constitute an actionable breach of contract and would be likely to result in a valid legal claim against London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn, which would impose additional, unnecessary costs. TfL wishes to protect its commercial interests and ability to participate in future commercial activity. The disclosure of this information would be to the detriment of present and future business activities for both parties.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency within public authorities and the degree of public interest concerning London transport announcements in light of the disclosure of iBus announcements. However, in this instance this is outweighed by the damage that would be done to TfL’s ability to use these recordings and any future contractual negotiations that may take place regarding the London Underground announcements.

Whilst we are unable to provide you with the requested Metropolitan line announcements, we are able to provide you with the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines stock announcements. Additionally you refer to iBus announcements – these are the announcements played on our buses, rather than on London Underground. If you would like any of these sent to you, please provide us with your postal address as these can be sent to you on CD format.

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

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