Our Ref:         FOI-1094-1718

Thank you for your request received on 8 August 2017 asking for information about digital displays of bus information.
 
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require.
 
We do not permanently remove Countdown signs from any stop that currently has them, but for a number of reasons we may have to temporarily remove Countdown signs from some locations, put them into storage and re-install once works are complete. These include, but are not limited to:
 
1. Replacement of life expired shelters with new, improved shelters. Countdown signs are reused following the modernisation.
2. Replacement of some static advertising sites with digital advertising panels. These works also require Countdown units to be removed and reinstalled afterwards.
3. Relocation of existing shelters to allow for footway/carriageway improvements (or Cycle Superhighway construction, for example).
 
The removal of the Countdown sign is often the first stage to any shelter works. After the work is carried out, reinstallation is the final stage to works. This is due to the requirement to disconnect and reconnect mains power supplies throughout any works. Without power at locations where works are taking place, live information cannot be provided.
 
•         How many bus stops across London that previously had digital displays of bus information have been removed over the past year (2017) and last year (2016) and replaced with bus stops without digital displays?
•         If possible please supply the locations these?
 
No Countdown signs have been permanently removed in 2016, nor are there any plans to permanently remove signs in 2017. A list of all our shelters currently without Countdown can be found on our website: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/live-bus-arrivals#on-this-page-3.
 
We have frequent progress meetings with our contractors to ensure the period of time a shelter is without Countdown is kept to a minimum and we closely track progress with all outstanding sites.
 
What was the cost of removing and replacing these bus stops?
 
The average cost per passenger shelter in 2016 was £8,224.08 (including an average cost of £1,135.34 for electrical works), for 2017 the average cost was £9,058.74 (including an average cost of £1,200.70 for electrical works). This cost includes the cost of reconnecting each site to the mains power supply.
 
These figures are based on expenditure against the number of units installed.
 
•         How many bus stops across London that currently have digital displays of bus information are due to be replaced next year (2018) and replaced with bus stops without digital displays?
•         If possible please supply the locations these?
 
As stated above, we do not intend to permanently remove Countdown signs from any stop that currently has them.
 
What is the estimated cost of removing and replacing these bus stops?
 
At present we do not have an estimated cost per passenger shelter for 2018.
 
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free to contact me.
 
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]