Freedom of Information request - Request for D78/C69/1972 tube stock on-board announcements
Request ID: FOI-1848-2425 Date published: 30 September 2024
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
Please could you attach (or post) a copy of the District Line D78 stock, Circle Line C69 stock or Bakerloo Line 1972 stock on-board announcements if they are available. I cannot find any requests asking for these post-COVID.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-1848-2425/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 6 September 2024 asking for information about London Underground announcements.
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. However, in accordance with the FOI Act, TfL is not obliged to supply the announcements you have requested as these are subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2).
In this instance section 43(2) has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of TfL and/or Global Services Ltd. The recordings in question were provided to London Underground from Global Services Ltd under a signed contract which contained explicit conditions concerning disclosure and distribution.
The contract specifies that the recordings are solely to be used for the purpose for which they were created and for broadcast on the London Underground network only. If TfL were to disclose these recordings in response to an FOI request, it would constitute an actionable breach of contract and would be likely to result in a valid legal claim against London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn, which would impose additional, unnecessary, costs. TfL wishes to protect its commercial interests and ability to participate in future commercial activity. The disclosure of this information would be to the detriment of present and future business activities for both parties.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency within public authorities and the degree of public interest concerning London transport announcements in light of the recent disclosure of iBus announcements. However, in this instance this is outweighed by the damage that would be done to TfL’s ability to use these recordings and any future contractual negotiations that may take place regarding the London Underground announcements.
Whilst the announcements for the specific lines you have requested cannot be released, we can provide you with the on train announcements for the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, along with other services (buses, Elizabeth line, London Overground etc).
If you would like access to these please let us know. We will require your personal email address to allow you with access. You can contact us directly at [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
