TfL Ref: 2623-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 18 November 2024 asking for information about our Victoria line 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 the information you require. Your specific questions and our replies are as follows:
- If available, could you please provide a diagram or image of the shell of the current Victoria Line carriages?
The information you asked about the 2009 stock trains is already publicly available via this link:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/489852/response/1174681/attach/4/Rolling%20Stock%20Data%20Sheet%20for%202009%20Victoria%20Line%20Stock.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
- Additionally, could you explain or provide diagrams showing what is located underneath the seats in these carriages? For example, whether the space is empty or used to store electrical or other equipment.
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply this information as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under sections 24 (National Security) and 38(1)(b) (Health and Safety) of the Freedom of Information Act.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of this information could adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public.
Disclosures made under the FOI Act are deemed to be a ‘disclosure to the world at large’ and whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own personal interests, it could be used by individuals who wish to cause harm or disruption to our customers, staff and London Underground network.
In light of the current threat levels in the UK the public interest in protecting individuals and infrastructure is very high and our upmost priority. Whilst we recognise that there are individual and personal interests in understanding the workings of the transport network, there is not the kind of wider public interest in the disclosure of this information. Disclosure of this type of information could compromise security and safety preparedness on London Underground’s network and could place members of the public and TfL staff at risk by highlighting areas which could be susceptible to being targeted.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has previously issued a Decision Notice regarding the application of sections 24 and 38 to withhold information in relation to the security of public transport. Whilst the information requested in this case is different to the information you have requested, we believe the same arguments can be applied:
https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/decision-notices/2017/2013536/fs50633090.pdf
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 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.
- I would also appreciate any information or diagrams regarding the cooling systems installed inside the Victoria Line carriages.
The Pressure Ventilation (PV) system draws air from outside the car into the passenger saloon compartment. Control of the vent speed is managed by the Train Control Monitoring system system (TCMS), and is dependent upon saloon temperature. The PV system comprises of 6 ventilation units, located in the centre of each seat bay.
The TCMS will activate the PV system when there is an active cab.
The TCMS system will vary the saloon ventilation flow rates according to the following set point temperatures:
There is a hysteresis to avoid instability around the set points.
when the internal saloon set-point temperature is falling =<22°C or rising <26°C then the MINIMUM flow rate
will be supplied, this corresponds to the slow fan speed.
when the internal saloon set point temperature is rising =>26°C & <35°C or falling =<33°C & >22°C then the
MEDIUM flow rate will be supplied, this corresponds to the middle fan speed.
when the internal saloon set point temperature is rising >35°C or falling >33°C then the MAXIMUM ventilation
is supplied, this corresponds to maximum speed.
- Lastly, can I ask for information regarding any future plans to cool down the carriages instead of the platforms. (Especially on the Victoria Line).
There are no future plans for any specific modification to the 2009 stock to enhance the current cooling features .
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free 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
Sara Thomas
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
