Oyster card system: Source code & database schema
Request ID: FOI-2183-1718
Date published: 23 January 2018
You asked
May I have a copy of the source code and database schema for the Oyster system, so that I can read the code and create a test system, in order to independently verify statements made by TfL?
We answered
Our ref: FOI-2183-1617
Thank you for your email received on 7 November 2017 asking for information about our Oyster card system.
Your request has been processed in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. You asked:
May I have a copy of the source code and database schema for the Oyster system, so that I can read the code and create a test system, in order to independently verify statements made by TfL?
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information you requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2).
In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied to the information as disclosure would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests. The Oyster System has been developed by TfL, or suppliers to TfL, over the last 20 years. TfL owns the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to the platform. We sell both the IPR and software to operators and integrators across the world creating an important income source. By providing the source code for Oyster we would be giving away our commercial IPR and future revenue stream.
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 by public authorities but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that TfL is able to maintain a vital revenue and the ability to continue to invest into our transport network outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our Oyster system
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,
Melissa Nichols
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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