Request ID: FOI-2916-2324 Date published: 29 November 2023
You asked
Do London buses have G-force or sensitivity or any sort of sensor that detects when a driver turns sharply, accelerates hard and more specifically, brakes too harshly?
If so, do garages actively look at this data to reprimand the drivers or there is no procedure in place for this?
If not, is TfL seeking to trial such technology to improve passenger safety and satisfaction? Over the years, (depending on the driver) buses are being driven more aggressively so if TfL is not currently seeking to implement such a trial, where can this be submitted to?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2916-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 13 November 2023.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
Do London buses have G-force or sensitivity or any sort of sensor that detects when a driver turns sharply, accelerates hard and more specifically, brakes too harshly?
The type of telematics system you describe is not currently part of Transport for London’s Bus Vehicle Specification, which covers the technical requirements for all new London buses. Some of the bus operating companies do already have telematics devices installed on their vehicles, however, TfL does not hold this information.
If so, do garages actively look at this data to reprimand the drivers or there is no procedure in place for this?
This is down to the individual bus operating companies, so TfL does not hold this information.
If not, is TfL seeking to trial such technology to improve passenger safety and satisfaction? Over the years, (depending on the driver) buses are being driven more aggressively so if TfL is not currently seeking to implement such a trial, where can this be submitted to?
TfL is continually looking to improve safety for both bus passengers and other road users outside buses, as outlined in the recently-published Bus Safety Strategy, available here: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-safety-strategy.pdf. As part of this TfL is currently considering introducing a requirement for telematics data collection systems in a future version of the Bus Vehicle Specification.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
