FOI request detail

TFL bus controller

Request ID: FOI-0933-2122
Date published: 25 August 2021

You asked

I would like to request a tfl bus controller package for a training, I would like to receiving via my email

We answered

Our ref: FOI-0933-2122/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5 August 2021 asking for information about TfL bus controller training.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

Please find attached the training matrix for Bus Station Controllers, which details what training is required for people who undertake this role.  

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the full training documents as these are subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) and Section 24 of the Act.

In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to adversely affect the safety and security of employees and members of the general public as well as national security.

Disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this detailed information to cause disruption or harm to our network and assets.

The role is safety critical and releasing the full training documents could endanger the safety of the public and staff at risk by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted.. The Bus Station Controllers manage the Bus Station and all that happens within it, so they control the flow of vehicles, where vehicles are parked/ standing, what is looked for (and where) in security checks, how the stations are inspected and reviewed including frequency etc. and all of this is information is contained within the training materials.

That information in the wrong hands would open us up to significant security risk as it would expose our vulnerabilities in terms of times and locations, that could be exploited for placement of people/devices that could endanger the security of individuals - both staff and customers.

The use of these exemptions is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the bus network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
 

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