Dear

TfL Ref: FOI-1959-1617

Thank you for your email received by us on 11 January 2017 asking for information about tendered bus route vehicle specification.

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

I am looking into the design of Hand Poles with regards to materials used for their manufacture. I am aware that you have criteria of the specification buses used on routes operated on your behalf. Would it be possible to send me a copy of the specification given to the operators in the tender documents please?

Our vehicle specifications for new buses (i.e. not retrospectively applied) require:-

1. All handrails and stanchions to be between 30mm and 35mm diameter smooth tube with powder coating (matt crackle finish) or nylon dipped (matt crackle finish). Coloured, yellow (RAL 1028), green (RAL 6018) or orange (RAL 2028). Any alternative colours will require the prior approval.
   
   
2. Staircase handrails should be of identical cross section to the main saloon handrails
   
   
3. A longitudinal waist height handrail is required, to provide a continuous passenger waist height hand grip support from the entrance / cab area to the beginning of the seated area or staircase steps
   
   
4. Door or door partition handrails positioned to assist boarding and alighting must be fitted at all entrance and exit points
   
   
5. Exposed butt ends to handrails are not acceptable anywhere on the bus. End of rails should be in a closed position or curved to provide a safe introduction to the rail
   
   
6. Seat-back to ceiling handrails (with bell push) are required at all forward facing seats on lower saloon and alternate seats on upper saloon
   
   
7. Where horizontal hand rails are fitted in standing areas, bell pushes must be placed in a position so as to limit the risk of accidental activation by passengers leaning on them.
   
   
8. Horizontal rails above wheel chair and / or standing area to be fitted with hanging grab hand holds of the flexible type. These grab hand holds should only be used in the low floor area and must not be placed in entrance / exit doorway areas.

Please note that the materials used for the hand poles would be determined by bodies such as the Drivers & Vehicles Licensing Agency.

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

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London