Our Ref:         FOI-2077-2021

Thank you for your request received on 15 January 2021 asking for information about complaints regarding Covid-19 and private hire journeys.
 
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.
 
As required by law, face coverings must be worn for the full duration of journeys on the public transport network, including inside stations, and in taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV).
 
You asked:
 
Since the beginning of the pandemic, how many passengers have complained to TFL of catching Covid-19 from TFL licenced PH vehicles, where there is no social distancing or physical barrier between driver & passenger?
 
We have carried out a search of our Customer Service query database using the following phrases:
 
Covid
CV 19
CV19
Corona
Mask
Partition
Plastic
Screen
Virus
 
We have found no cases where a customer has made reference to having caught Covid-19 from a PHV driver or vice versa from the beginning of March 2020 to the date of your request.
 
Since the beginning of the pandemic, how many PH drivers have complained to TFL of catching Covid-19 from a passenger whilst carrying out a licensed booking?
 
We have not received any complaints from PHV drivers. In the vast majority of cases PHV drivers will go to the operator in the first instance.
 
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
 
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.
 
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]