Request ID: FOI-0885-2425 Date published: 15 July 2024
You asked
Follow-up to FOI-0628-2425: I understand that the breadth and volume of the information I initially requested would exceed the cost limit for responding to FOI cases. In light of this, I would like to further refine the scope of my request to focus on a representative stretch of the tram network that would be manageable for your team to provide information on, while still offering valuable insights for my research project.
Could you please provide the following information for a stretch of the tram network that you deem appropriate and feasible within the cost limit:
1. Detailed specifications, designs, materials used, and quantities for the infrastructure components (tracks, overhead lines and equipment, support poles, substations, etc., stations including shelters, seating, and ticketing facilities) of this representative stretch (for a example for a 5-kilometre stretch).
2. Any existing life cycle analysis or cost assessment studies conducted specifically for this representative stretch, or extrapolated from the entire tram network.
3. If available, any maintenance and operational cost records for this representative stretch.
I trust your judgment in selecting a suitable stretch of the tram network that would provide meaningful data while remaining within the constraints of the Freedom of Information Act.
Thank you for directing me to the material already available on your website. I will review this information to further inform my understanding of the subject matter.
I look forward to receiving the requested information in accordance with the revised scope outlined above. If you require any further clarification or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you once again for your assistance in this matter.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0885-2425
Thank you for your further request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 18th June 2024 asking for information about the London tram network. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked the following, further to case reference FOI-0628-2425:
“Could you please provide the following information for a stretch of the tram network that you deem appropriate and feasible within the cost limit:
Detailed specifications, designs, materials used, and quantities for the infrastructure components (tracks, overhead lines and equipment, support poles, substations, etc., stations including shelters, seating, and ticketing facilities) of this representative stretch (for a example for a 5-kilometre stretch).
Any existing life cycle analysis or cost assessment studies conducted specifically for this representative stretch, or extrapolated from the entire tram network.
If available, any maintenance and operational cost records for this representative stretch.”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
In answer to Question 2 , please see the first spreadsheet attached (Copy of London Trams capital investment by Asset Group), which provides a cost assessment for expenditure on the tram network over the next 20 years or so. Note that you may need to expand the width of some columns to read the data in full.
In answer to Question 3, please see the second spreadsheet attached (Copy of Tram operating spend 2019-2024) which shows maintenance and other operating costs for each year since 2019 for the entire tram network (again, you may need to expand the width of some columns to read the data in full).
In regard to Question 1, I am afraid that it remains the case that to source this information would exceed the £450 costs limit as set out under section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act. The question still covers a very broad and wide ranging set of information, which would be excessively time consuming to identify, locate and extract from our systems, for the same reasons as set out previously. To bring it under the costs exemption limit you will need to narrow the request further, being more specific as to the exact information required.
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
