TfL Ref: 1030-2223
Thank you for your request received by us on 27 July 2022 asking for information about New Routemaster (NRM) buses.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked for:
questions in regards to fare evasion on routes using New Routemasters (NRMs) since the entire fleet are currently front door only boarding.
1. Can you publish the figures starting from January 2019 to most recent possible date for information on fare evasion on routes using NRMs?
We can advise that all survey activity was paused since the beginning of the pandemic to minimise the risk of infection to staff.
We are currently reviewing our fare evasion data with a view to developing a more consistent, robust and reliable way of calculating revenue loss in the future.
In the meantime, we have recently conducted a Bus Fare Evasion Survey which was conducted between April and June 2022. This report is currently being reviewed internally. Initial figures reported were as follows:
| | April-June 2022 only |
| Fare evasion only | 1.6% |
Please also note that only two routes are open boarding - routes 507 and 521, with all others converted to front boarding only. Furthermore, all future fare evasion surveys will not distinguish between New Routemasters and non-New Routemasters. The above is bus fare evasion data. We do not have NRM specific data anymore
2. How much did TFL save on reducing fare evasion after converting all NRMs to front door only boarding?
3. What measures did TFL made to reduce fare evasion on routes using NRMs?
As mentioned in response to Question One, there are only two routes that operate on an open-boarding basis; buses 507 and the 521.
Transport for London (TfL) has a comprehensive pan-TfL Revenue Protection Programme in place to drive improvements in tackling fare evasion and ticket fraud. This includes developing its Irregular Travel Analysis Platform (ITAP) to improve intelligence-led deployment, targeting improvements to gateline integrity, strengthening prosecutions and tightening ticketing procedures to ensure customers pay the right fare.
Every mode of travel has a dedicated team of Revenue Inspectors in place to tackle fare evasion and ticket fraud through proactive ticket checking and investigation of irregularities. However, during the last year in response to the pandemic, these staff were focused on restoring confidence in public transport and keeping customers safe by enforcing face coverings and providing reassurance. Revenue Inspectors are now back to full revenue protection activity.
4. When is TFL going to publish the latest London Buses graphic standards to include 'no entry stickers' at the middle (except wheelchair and buggies) and rear doors of the NRM and two door standard buses?
5. Did TFL convert the Red Arrow routes 507 and 521 to front door only boarding which uses two door single-deck electric buses? If no, are there plans?
Again, as mentioned previously, routes 507 and the 521 have not been converted to a front door only boarding operation. Any decision affecting their future boarding practices would be considered as part of the current consultation into changes to Inner London Bus Routes.
We can confirm that there are no plans to reinstate all-door open boarding.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any 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
.
Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
