TfL Ref: FOI-0831-1718

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 7 July 2017 asking for information about TfL Board Members.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require. You asked:

1.    I would like a copy of Ron Kalifa's official appointment date.

The paper to the Board on 22 September 2016 on TfL appointments confirms the appointment of Ron Kalifa from 5 September 2016.

2.    I also want to know who put Worldpay forward as a payment method in taxis and who voted in favour of it?

The use of Worldpay as a payment processor was not a decision taken by the TfL Board and therefore there was no vote on its implementation. The Board approved the recommendation to make it mandatory to accept credit and bank cards in taxis at its meeting on 3 February 2016, before the appointment of Mr Kalifa to the Board.

3.    Furthermore, why was Ron Kalifa appointed if not for his knowledge of Worldpay?

The paper to the Board on 22 September 2016 on TfL appointments sets out the process and criteria for making appointments to the Board. The criteria is based on the best match for the skills, knowledge and experience set out in the Greater London Authority (GLA) Act 1999 (as amended) and from previous external reviews of Board effectiveness.

4.    What role does Michael Liebreich play as a board member?

Mr Liebreich is a Member of the Board and also serves on the Finance Committee and as the Chair of the Safety, Sustainability and Human Resources Panel.

5.    Among all members of the board, have many have first hand knowledge of the inner workings of the Licensed London Taxi Trade other than possibly using it?

No Members of the Board have first hand knowledge of the inner workings of the Licensed London Taxi Trade. The GLA Act does not require Members to have first hand knowledge or experience of the inner workings of any transport trades or types and external reviews of Board effectiveness have advised against appointing Members to act as “representatives” of particular transport operations.

6.    How much input did Bob Oddy have on decisions in relation to the cab trade when he was a member of the board?

Throughout his period on the Board, Bob Oddy declared his interests in matters relating to the Taxi and Private Hire issues and withdrew from any discussion where a decision was required in relation to these trades. This is detailed within the published minutes of relevant meetings.

7.    How many meetings has Uber management had with Mayor Khan?

We do not hold this information. You may wish to direct this question to the Greater London Authority who can be contacted via the following link:https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/governance-and-spending/sharing-our-information/freedom-information

8.    Have any members of the board met with Uber and/or government ministers or aids in relation to the Licensed London Taxi Trade and if so when and why?

Please see details of relevant meetings below:

Uber

Val Shawcross (Deputy Mayor for Transport and Deputy Chair of the Board) met with Jo Bertram and Andrew Byrne from Uber on 23 June 2016 for an introductory meeting.

Lord Ahmad

Val Shawcross held meetings on a variety of issues with Lord Ahmad when he was transport minister– Taxi/PHV issues were on the agenda on the following dates:

16 June 2016

3 November 2016

Secretary of State (SoS) Chris Grayling

Val Shawcross and the Mayor (who is also Chair of the Board) meet with the SoS from time to time to discuss a variety of issues. Taxi/PHV issues were on the agenda for such a meeting on 18 July 2017.

The Mayor’s diary is published at the following link: https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/governance-and-spending/sharing-our-information/publication-scheme/mayor-londons-diary

We are not aware of any other Members of the current Board meeting with Uber and/or government ministers or aides in relation to the Licensed London Taxi Trade.

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 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

Lee Hill

Senior FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London