Our ref: FOI-2259-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 15 October 2024 asking for information about fare evasion.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked:
I have come across an article from The Daily Telegraph that a London bus driver said that when a passenger refuses to pay, they press a button to report fare evasion. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/jobs/career-advice/secret-life-of-a-bus-driver-salary/ I'm interested to know more about the scheme.
1. How long has the scheme been in use?
Over ten years.
2. When did the scheme first start?
It is a part of our iBus system, as fitted on all buses operating on London's bus network.
3. Which routes were they first trialled on?
It is a standard feature of the iBus system, so this facility has been available on all routes.
4. Can you publish guidance instructing bus drivers to press a button to report fare evasion? Will it be included in the upcoming Big Red Book?
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to provide you with the requested information as this is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 31(1)(b) and Section 31(1)(g), which exempt from disclosure information which would, or would be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders or the exercise of functions for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has failed to comply with the law.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested would reveal details of our enforcement processes and activity. Disclosing such information would be of value to fare evaders and therefore adversely affect our inspection activity and impact on our duties under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act. While we make no suggestion that this is the purpose of your request, when considering FOI requests, we must consider disclosure to be to the world at large.
The use of this exemption 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 feel that balance lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that we are able to effectively carry out our inspection activity and to continue to discourage fare evaders from using our network.
5. How much did it cost TfL to install a button for bus drivers to press a button to report fare evasion?
No separate cost. As mentioned above, it's an integral part of the iBus system.
6. Can you provide further information about the scheme to tackle fare evasion?
The iBus data can pinpoint locations and provide additional data to support deployment of enforcement teams.
7. Is there a similar scheme for the Underground, Overground and the Elizabeth line, as there's an increasing number of fare evaders barging through the barriers without touching in and out?
Other transport modes have their own reporting systems for fare evasion, not all of which are the same.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Tahsin Prima
FOI Case Officer
General Counsel
Transport for London
