TfL Ref: FOI-0755-1718

Thank you for your tweet received by us on 26 April 2017 asking for information about rolling stock design. 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.

You asked for: The regulations, research or other sources that grey is a good colour contrast for visually impaired people

I can confirm we do not hold the information you require on research or other sources that grey provides a good contrast for visually impaired people. We have made the train interior compliant to the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2010 (RVAR) in providing colour contrast. This is defined in the RVAR Guidance Notes (2002) as being  “In static conditions, a difference of 30% or more is considered in these values to be adequate” utilising Light Reflectance Value (LRV).

The tweet you have referred to was making reference to the overall interior colour scheme of the refurbished Jubilee line trains, which is now compliant with RVAR. The level of contrast between critical surfaces uses the standard measure of LRV. Surfaces which are next to each other and deemed to be critical, such as the area of the grab poles near to the doors, must have “contrast” in line with the above.

As an example, the Jubilee line refurbishment colour scheme is designed with the grab poles and interior trim having 45.99 points contrast. The trains also now feature improved contrasting flooring to help those with visual impairments navigate inside the train and for all users to travel in a greater level of comfort.

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.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Lee Hill

Senior FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London