TfL Ref: FOI-1470-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5 August 2023 asking for information about the London Overground Line naming.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You specifically asked:
I would like to know how much TfL is spending, in total, on this "naming research" for the Overground lines? Please include a detailed breakdown of costs if possible, and how much will be paid to DNCO.
DNCO is an agency that we are using that specialises in creative community engagement. Using its expertise in this area means that we can effectively engage with communities ahead of making any decisions on the names of lines. The total cost being paid to DNCO is £115,275 which includes research which will then inform the shortlisting of the names. Naming the London Overground lines will make it easier for customers and visitors to the city to navigate the network.
The cost includes a number of different research methods including desktop-based, stakeholder and expert interviews, customer research and workshops to get the views of groups who are often underrepresented in public spaces. The range of methods enables us to listen to as many different perspectives as possible. DNCO has also carried out interviews with London Overground customers during their journeys on the London Overground network across 13 days this summer.
DNCO that specialises in creative community engagement, uses their expertise in this area, where we do not possess such expertise, means that we can effectively engage with communities ahead of making any decisions on the names of lines. DNCO will propose names which shine a spotlight on London’s untold stories, narratives and histories which will then be considered by TfL. The project will make the Overground easier to navigate and establish connections between the network and people who use it every day.
However, the breakdown in cost of the research is exempt from disclosure under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, which applies where the release of information would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of TfL, as it could adversely affect pricing in future tenders for similar work, impacting our ability to achieve the best value for money for our customers and stakeholders. Disclosing this information could also be prejudicial to DNCO’s ability to compete for tendering opportunities with other companies in the future, as their competitive edge would inevitably be prejudiced by disclosure of a detailed breakdown of their price.
The use of section 43(2) is subject to the public interest test, whereby we are required to determine whether the greater public interest lies in applying the exemption and withholding the information, or in releasing it anyway. We appreciate the need for openness and transparency in the operation of our business, particularly where the expenditure of public money is concerned. However, in this instance the public interest in ensuring that we are able to obtain the best value for public money outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.
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
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
