Reduction in frequency of updates to accessibility information products
Request ID: FOI-1626-1718
Date published: 29 November 2017
You asked
In March 2012, TfL introduced this policy to increase update frequency of its accessibility information products: http://files.whatdotheyknow.com/request/errors_omissions_and_delays_in_u/2012.%20TFL%20guidelines%20for%20updating%20accessibility%20products,%202012.pdf
"The objective is to reflect key changes in an online update within 2-4 weeks (the minimum achievable given the actions which need to be completed). Changes will be reflected in the print versions of documents within 1-4 months, subject to any more significant changes which need to be incorporated. "
"The current position is that all accessibility maps and guides are updated alongside the standard Tube map."
"While this pattern of updates is appropriate for the Large Print and Black & White maps, which are essentially copies of the standard map product, it does not work effectively for products such as the Step-Free Tube guide (SFTG), which include a higher level of detail. For the audience of this map, some changes may mean that they are unable to make a journey which is usually possible. In the past, tying this product to the standard map update schedule has meant that significant changes have not been included for a number of months; e.g. step-free access to the Northern line at Kings Cross.
"Online versions of the map can be updated relatively quickly, at a cost of around £I00 each (based on ad hoc September 2011 update)."
"In future, the SFTG and Avoiding Stairs Guide will separated from the standard map updates as necessary and a schedule developed which more closely reflects the needs of the audience for these products. More use should also be made of on line updates to communicate key information."
This policy evidently changed during or before September 2015, because in response to my recent FOI request, you responded at https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/errors_omissions_and_delays_in_u#incoming-1042366
"Since September 2015, our range of maps (including the basic Tube map and the Step-free Tube guide) have been updated twice a year (usually in May and December). If some work took place on the network that meant a change in accessibility, it would usually be flagged on the next version of the maps."
I would like recorded information that indicates why that decision was made, despite TFL's clear knowledge that this update schedule "does not work effectively for products such as the Step-Free Tube guide, which include a higher level of detail. For the audience of this map, some changes may mean that they are unable to make a journey which is usually possible."
Please provide recorded information that answers the following questions.
1) When was the previous, more frequent update policy stopped?
2) Why was it changed?
3) What consideration was made of the disadvantage TFL acknowledge is caused to disabled people by the delay in update of the step-free tube guide?
4) What actions were taken to ameliorate said difficulties?
5) Which disabled people's organisations were consulted and involved in that decision?
6) When making the decision, what consideration was made of the Public Sector Equality Duty to:
Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act.
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a characteristic and those who don't.
7) What impact has the change to the schedule had on the travel experiences of London Underground traveling disabled people?
We answered
Thank you for your emails received by us on 25 and 27 September 2017 asking for information about the updating of our accessibility information products.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. You requested the following:
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information request - Reduction in frequency of updates to accessibility information products
In March 2012, TfL introduced this policy to increase update frequency of its accessibility information products: http://files.whatdotheyknow.com/request/errors_omissions_and_delays_in_u/2012.%20TFL%20guidelines%20for%20updating%20accessibility%20products,%202012.pdf
"The objective is to reflect key changes in an online update within 2-4 weeks (the minimum achievable given the actions which need to be completed). Changes will be reflected in the print versions of documents within 1-4 months, subject to any more significant changes which need to be incorporated. "
"The current position is that all accessibility maps and guides are updated alongside the standard Tube map."
"While this pattern of updates is appropriate for the Large Print and Black & White maps, which are essentially copies of the standard map product, it does not work effectively for products such as the Step-Free Tube guide (SFTG), which include a higher level of detail. For the audience of this map, some changes may mean that they are unable to make a journey which is usually possible. In the past, tying this product to the standard map update schedule has meant that significant changes have not been included for a number of months; e.g. step-free access to the Northern line at Kings Cross.
"Online versions of the map can be updated relatively quickly, at a cost of around £I00 each (based on ad hoc September 2011 update)."
"In future, the SFTG and Avoiding Stairs Guide will separated from the standard map updates as necessary and a schedule developed which more closely reflects the needs of the audience for these products. More use should also be made of on line updates to communicate key information."
This policy evidently changed during or before September 2015, because in response to my recent FOI request, you responded at https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/errors_omissions_and_delays_in_u#incoming-1042366
"Since September 2015, our range of maps (including the basic Tube map and the Step-free Tube guide) have been updated twice a year (usually in May and December). If some work took place on the network that meant a change in accessibility, it would usually be flagged on the next version of the maps."
I would like recorded information that indicates why that decision was made, despite TFL's clear knowledge that this update schedule "does not work effectively for products such as the Step-Free Tube guide, which include a higher level of detail. For the audience of this map, some changes may mean that they are unable to make a journey which is usually possible."
Please provide recorded information that answers the following questions.
1) When was the previous, more frequent update policy stopped?
2) Why was it changed?
3) What consideration was made of the disadvantage TFL acknowledge is caused to disabled people by the delay in update of the step-free tube guide?
4) What actions were taken to ameliorate said difficulties?
5) Which disabled people's organisations were consulted and involved in that decision?
6) When making the decision, what consideration was made of the Public Sector Equality Duty to:
Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act.
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a characteristic and those who don't.
7) What impact has the change to the schedule had on the travel experiences of London Underground traveling disabled people?
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information request - Reduction in frequency of updates to accessibility information products
Further sending you this FOI request yesterday, today I have read the document you supplied in response to my FOI request at https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/march_2017_document_pack_reviewi
You said:
"Current Barriers and Issues:
Tube maps and guides only updated twice a year – so we are not always up to date"
One wonders even more why you changed from having a change-based update pattern to only updating twice a year?
Unfortunately we do not hold the information you have requested. I can advise that we have produced updates to the Step-free Tube guide twice a year since mid-2015 and are not aware of a more frequent update having been implemented previously.
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
Information Governance
Transport For London
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