TfL Ref: FOI-0727-1718

Thank you for your email received on 21 July asking for information about taxi card payment systems. Please accept my apologies for the delay in our response.

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 the information you require. You asked:

“I am lead to believe that TPH/TFL carried out a Risk Assessment prior to the introductions of card readers being placed in the rear of Taxis in London. Could you kindly provide a copy of this risk assessment and confirm the date it took place, if possible the name of the person who carried it out and confirm what qualifications this person has. Could you also confirm how much money TFL was paid in order to advertise these card companies / slogans on the side of London Taxis."

Any additional equipment installed in a London taxi, including card payment systems, must undergo our formal approval process prior to installation; please see the attached document which describes this approval process. Please note that in accordance with TfL’s obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) some personal data has been removed, as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act. This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the DPA, specifically the first principle of the DPA which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions of Schedule 2 of the Data Protection Act which would make the processing ‘fair’.

The main purpose of this process is to ensure that the proposed installation of the equipment is appropriate for use within a taxi environment; that the installation method is safe and that the equipment is convenient to use and meets with the current Transport for London (TfL) and UK road vehicle regulations and legislation; ensuring, as far as possible, that the equipment does not pose a risk for the passengers or drivers during the operation of the taxi. The assessment and approval process is conducted by our vehicle policy team who are suitably qualified to carry out this type of work; in addition all are registered with the UK Engineering Council.

There are currently 12 card payment providers who have systems approved for use in London taxis. Further details can be found by visiting our website: www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/accepting-card-payments.

Each of these providers has undertaken our approval process, this includes an initial risk analysis carried out at the point of application which is continually assessed and updated throughout the approval process, up to and including the final installation and use of the equipment. The risk analysis/risk assessment is not contained within one document but is comprised of a continuing dialogue with the applicant and analysis of the technical information and responses by the applicant to questions and issues raised by TfL and other interested parties, such as vehicle manufacturers and passenger groups.

Owing to the complexity of the process I have outlined and that there are a number of approved card payment systems we are unable to identify the specific information you are requesting. We would be happy to reconsider your request were you to narrow its scope.

Finally, I can confirm that TfL has not received payment from any card payment company in relation to the introduction of payment devices in taxi vehicles, or the advertising thereof.

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.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Paulina Tuffour

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel