Request ID: FOI-1443-2223 Date published: 29 September 2022
You asked
Please could you inform me which companies tendered for the 340 route this time around?
We answered
TfL Ref: 1443-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 September 2022 asking for information about the tender results for the 340 bus route.
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 the information you require. You asked:
which companies tendered for the 340 route this time around?
However, the remainder of the information you are seeking is exempt from disclosure under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption that protects against the prejudicial release of commercially sensitive information. In this case, the exemption applies as release would reveal to the world at large which companies were unsuccessful with their bids. This would provide an insight into these companies which would be of commercial interest to their competitors. As a ‘qualified’ exemption, the use of this exemption 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, and the fact you have requested the information is in itself an argument in favour of release. However, in this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as release of the information would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of those unsuccessful bidders, and enable their competitors to access useful information about them which would potentially reduce the competitiveness of the market. This could ultimately have a bearing on the value for money that TfL is able to achieve in any future such tender. We believe that in this case, protecting the public purse is of paramount importance.
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
