Request ID: FOI-3165-2324 Date published: 15 December 2023
You asked
Hi I am a London Bus driver.
As you are aware as per procedure we are required to carry the big red book as part of the 9 items we absolutely have to have on duty. Now we are being asked to download a copy of the pdf instead of being provided a hard copy, what use is this as we cannot use our mobile phones whilst on duty.
As such may I please request a hard copy of the big red book.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3165-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 4th December 2023 asking for a hard copy of the Big Red Book.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Hi I am a London Bus driver. As you are aware as per procedure we are required to carry the big red book as part of the 9 items we absolutely have to have on duty. Now we are being asked to download a copy of the pdf instead of being provided a hard copy, what use is this as we cannot use our mobile phones whilst on duty. As such may I please request a hard copy of the big red book.”
I am afraid that we do not currently hold hard copies of the Big Red Book, as explained further below.
London’s bus drivers are usually provided with a hard copy of the Big Red Book. Existing drivers receive this via their garage teams and new drivers as part of their induction training. Office staff use the electronic PDF version.
We had hoped that the new (sixth) edition of the Big Red Book would have been available by now, but in fact it will not now be available until next summer. On that basis, we have arranged a short print run of the existing (fifth) edition as we have no printed copies and recognise that bus operators similarly need further copies. Until that print run has taken place hard copies are not available. On that basis, I believe that operators have provided the electronic PDF to drivers who need a copy as a short-term measure until further printed books are available.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
