Manual for the onboard computer for 2009 Tube Stock
Request ID: FOI-2253-1718
Date published: 30 November 2017
You asked
Please could you provide me with a copy of any instruction manuals for the on-board computers/announcement systems for London Underground 2009 Stock.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2253-1718
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 12 December asking for the manual for the onboard computer for 2009 Tube Stock.
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 some of the information you require.
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the manual you have requested as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) and Section 24 of the Act.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public as well as national security. Disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this information to cause disruption or harm to the London Underground network by potentially allow them to alter audible and/or visual messages which could cause confusion and panic.
Disclosure of information could compromise security and safety preparedness on London Underground’s network and would place members of the public and TfL staff at risk by potentially allowing hackers to alter audible and / or visual messages displayed to Tube drivers and passengers and lead them to be susceptible to being targeted. It is our concern that the release of details about the computer operating instructions could be combined with other information already in the public domain to help plan an attack on the Tube network.
Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, the London Underground system is an attractive terrorist target for several reasons including its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for a mass casualty attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also important to the functioning of London and its economy.
The use of these exemptions is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
In applying this exemption we have taken into account the tribunal decision referred to in the following link: http://informationrights.decisions.tribunals.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i968/2013_02_28;%20Decision;%20EA.2012.0127.pdf
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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