FOI request detail

Kantar TNS gathering data

Request ID: FOI-1418-1819
Date published: 17 January 2019

You asked

1. What meta-data Kantar TNS are gathering 2. What are the agreed processes between TfL and Kantar TNS in gathering data

We answered

TfL Ref: FOI-1418-1819

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 August 2018 asking for information about data gathering.

Your request has been processed in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you requested. You asked:

1. What meta-data are Kantar TNS gathering?

The attached spreadsheet shows the metadata currently collected for the survey.

2. What are the agreed processes between TfL and Kantar TNS in gathering data?

  • The surveys are carried out for the purposes of understanding the level of fraudulent travel on the networks concerned. An independent contractor is employed for this purpose to ensure an unbiased result. The results of the survey are then used for the purposes of managing the contract for the operation of these services and the incentive regime that forms part of this;
  • The agreed process between TfL and Kantar TNS for the survey is as follows:
    • Kantar TNS sets up a sampling strategy covering different routes at different times of day to ensure that they gather a representative sample of data;
    • Interviewers then board trains/trams to undertake surveys at the times and locations specified by the sample to interview passengers and ascertain whether or not they are holding a valid ticket. Passengers are asked to show their ticket in whatever form this takes and asked other questions to enable the metadata referenced in question 1 to be recorded;
    • If a customer asks why the survey is being undertaken then the interviewers provide further explanation on this, referencing the purpose outlined above. They also carry letters of authority to demonstrate that they are authorised to undertake the survey which can be shown on request. A full explanation of the survey is not provided at the start of every interview because of the additional time this would take and the cost implications of this;
    • Customers have a right to refuse to participate. Interviewers will attempt to persuade them to participate by explaining the purpose to the survey and the fact that they will suffer no penalty as a consequence of participation. If this persuasion is unsuccessful then the interview is politely terminated and the interviewer moves on to the next customer.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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