Thank you for your email received by us on 7 August 2017 asking for a copy of all of the train announcement files.

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:

A copy of all of the train announcement files? EG: Central Line, TFL Rail, Hammersmith & City Line, Northern Line

In accordance with the FOI Act, Transport For London (TfL) is not obliged to supply the audio files for London Underground’s Tube announcements as the information is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2).

In this instance section 43(2) has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of TfL and/or Global Services Ltd. The recordings in question were provided to London Underground from Global Services Ltd under a signed contract which contained explicit conditions concerning disclosure and distribution.

The contract specifies that the recordings are solely to be used for the purpose for which they were created and for broadcast on the London Underground network only. If TfL were to disclose these recordings in response to an FOI request, it would constitute an actionable breach of contract and would be likely to result in a valid legal claim against London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn, which would impose additional, unnecessary, costs. TfL wishes to protect its commercial interests and ability to participate in future commercial activity. The disclosure of this information would be to the detriment of present and future business activities for both parties.

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 within public authorities and the degree of public interest concerning London transport announcements in light of the recent disclosure of iBus announcements. However, in this instance this is outweighed by the damage that would be done to TfL’s ability to use these recordings and any future contractual negotiations that may take place regarding the London Underground announcements.

Unfortunately, the electronic files of TfL Rail and London Overground audio announcements, of which there are hundreds, are too large in size to be sent via email. I can also advise that we do not hold audio files for the Docklands Light Railway, as these are held by the franchise holder.

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

Yours sincerely

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London