Request ID: FOI-0887-2324 Date published: 20 July 2023
You asked
I just wondered if you were please able to provide the following information
• Overall cost of the limited edition 20 year oyster card
o Design costs
o Marketing costs
o Other costs (broken down if possible)
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0887-2324
Thank you for your request received on 22 June 2023 asking for information about the limited edition Oyster card for the 20th anniversary.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
Limited edition Oyster cards have been produced for sale to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Oyster. The cards were designed in-house and there are no additional promotional or marketing costs associated with this. The cards do not cost any more to produce than standard blue Oyster cards. The cost of the cards is being recouped through sales of the cards, and by revenue generated from their continued usage.
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the cost of producing the cards as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) – prejudice to commercial interests. In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice our commercial interests.
These costs form part of a contract that is subject to regular competitive tenders and subsequent negotiations. Disclosure of the current cost of creating the cards could hinder our ability to negotiate the best value for money in the future.
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 by public authorities but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that TfL is able to obtain the best value for public money outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
