Is there any chance of the class 345 pis codes please as I forgot to include this in the original request.

---

TfL Ref: 1722-1718

Thank you for your email received by us on 1 October 2017 asking for a copy of the Passenger Information System (PIS) codes used to activate announcements on London Overground services.

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information you have requested as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act. We review the risks we face and we believe that disclosure of the PIS codes could adversely affect the safety / security of our customers, contractors, TfL and members of the general public and could cause fear and alarm if misused.  There is a risk that if someone were to hack into the on train network they could change the codes meaning the wrong messages would be displayed and announced, which could have security implications. Whilst we take appropriate measures to protect the network from hacking, we consider that withholding the codes adds another level of security.

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 the London Underground or rail network. The London Underground system and rail network is an attractive  target for several reasons including its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for an  attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also part of the nation’s critical infrastructure by virtue of its central importance to the functioning of London and its economy.

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 we consider the PIS codes to be of little wider public interest. In this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground and rail network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

The messages themselves can be heard by passengers onboard the train when travelling.

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

Yours sincerely

Sara Thomas

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

Back to top

---