I am currently a 3rd year Civil Engineering student at UCL. As one of my 3rd year modules I am doing a research project with a course mate. We wish to undertake some pedestrian flow modelling of Warren Street station to understand the causes of overcrowding and to identify potential solutions. To carry out this research project we require certain sets of data. We have sourced majority of the data from the TfL open data website, but we could not find a 3D CAD model of the station. The 3D CAD model is needed so that we can upload it to a software called PTV VisWalk where we can carry out pedestrian flow simulations. Additionally, would it be possible to discuss with you or a colleague, how TfL is currently managing overcrowding across the underground network, how effective those solutions have been

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Our ref: FOI-1637-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 November 2020 asking for information about tube stations.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and our Information Access Policy. You asked:

We wish to undertake some pedestrian flow modelling of Warren Street station to understand the causes of overcrowding and to identify potential solutions. To carry out this research project we require certain sets of data. We have sourced majority of the data from the TfL open data website, but we could not find a 3D CAD model of the station. The 3D CAD model is needed so that we can upload it to a software called PTV VisWalk where we can carry out pedestrian flow simulations. Additionally, would it be possible to discuss with you or a colleague, how TfL is currently managing overcrowding across the underground network, how effective those solutions have been.

In accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply the information you requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act. We are unable to provide CAD models of our stations and our overcrowding management measures as disclosure of this information requested would be likely to adversely affect the safety and security of employees and members of the general public.

Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this information to cause disruption or harm to our network. Additionally, disclosure of information which could compromise security on our network would place members of the public and staff at risk by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted.

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, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London

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