Equality impact assessment on the removal of platform tickets at TFL stations
Request ID: FOI-2012-2324 Date published: 05 October 2023
You asked
Dear TFL
On the 3rd September 2023, you have quietly removed the sale of platform tickets without a consultation. The news was reported by Diamond Geezer on his blog.
https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2023/09/platform-tickets-last-chance-to-buy.html
1. Can you publish the Mayoral Decision about the removal of platform tickets?
2. In accordance with section 178 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, did TFL inform and consult the public bodies (including London TravelWatch) about the removal of platform tickets?
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1999/29/section/178
3. What measures did TFL take when a person needed to access the toilet facilities, which are inside the gateline, but was unable to access them because you removed the sale of platform tickets? This impacts people who are disabled and have medical conditions.
4. Can you publish the equality impact assessment and other documents related to the removal of platform tickets?
5. Have there been any staff awareness notices about the removal of platform tickets?
6. Why is TFL phasing out paper tickets?
Yours sincerely
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2012-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 8th September 2023 asking for information about the removal of platform tickets at TFL stations. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below. You wrote: “On the 3rd September 2023, you have quietly removed the sale of platform tickets without a consultation. The news was reported by Diamond Geezer on his blog. https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2023/09/platform-tickets-last-chance-to-buy.html Question 1. Can you publish the Mayoral Decision about the removal of platform tickets? Answer: Platform tickets are not a fare and their removal does not require a fares direction from the Mayor – this was a TfL decision. This decision will mean that customers who previously had to pay to access a station platform will no longer need to. Any customers who need help onto trains can speak to a member of staff to use our ‘turn up and go’ service. Question 2. In accordance with section 178 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, did TFL inform and consult the public bodies (including London TravelWatch) about the removal of platform tickets? https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1999/29/section/178 Answer: We do not consider that the withdrawal of Platform tickets falls within transport services or facilities and therefore no consultation was required. That said, we did inform London TravelWatch of our intention to withdraw the ticket ahead of their removal. Question 3. What measures did TFL take when a person needed to access the toilet facilities, which are inside the gateline, but was unable to access them because you removed the sale of platform tickets? This impacts people who are disabled and have medical conditions. Answer: Any customers requiring access can ask a member of staff who can provide access to the customer toilets. There is no change in this approach. Platform tickets did not operate station gates and customers were required to show their ticket to a member of staff to gain access to the platform. Question 4. Can you publish the equality impact assessment and other documents related to the removal of platform tickets? Answer: The EqIA is attached. Question 5. Have there been any staff awareness notices about the removal of platform tickets? Answer: Yes. Question 6. Why is TFL phasing out paper tickets? Answer:The technology behind paper tickets dates back to the 1980s and in recent years Train Operating Companies (TOCs) have been seeking to replace magnetic tickets with newer technologies. Due to the integrated nature of rail ticketing in London, we expect to support these ticketing changes. Although there is no firm strategy or timetable at the moment, we expect that this will influence our future strategy as the TOC strategy becomes clearer. However, we fully expect that there will continue to be a ticket which can be bought at ticket machines immediately prior to travel. 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, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
