Request ID: FOI-3359-2324 Date published: 12 February 2024
You asked
Dear TfL
I would like to request information regarding a pre-planning document exploring options and assessments when planning the current Superloop bus network. This can include options for frequency enhancements, extending existing services or planning new routes.
If you do hold this information, could you please provide it in a document format as a network development paper is?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3359-2324
Thank you again for your request of 19th December 2023 asking for information about the buses Superloop options assessments.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I would like to request information regarding a pre-planning document exploring options and assessments when planning the current Superloop bus network. This can include options for frequency enhancements, extending existing services or planning new routes.
If you do hold this information, could you please provide it in a document format as a network development paper is?”.
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
The requested material for the current Superloop network (i.e. pertaining to those routes operating under the Superloop branding at the time your request was received – that is, routes SL1, SL6, SL7, SL8, SL9 and SL10) is largely attached. Note that a number of redactions have been made under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption which applies to information where release would prejudice our commercial interests. The exemption has been applied to any information within the papers that would inhibit our ability to negotiate the best value-for-money contracts in the future – so, for example, the cost paid for the current services. Note further that the entire document relating to Superloop 6 has been withheld. While this route is currently operating as SL6 this is a renumbering of the previous X68 service, with the future SL6 service still in the “Invitation to Tender Process” and therefore part of a live tendering process. Release of the document now would prejudice that process. Note further that SL9 is a direct conversion of route X140. The original work for the X140 is outlined here: https://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/changes-to-suburban-bus-services-to-support-the-elizabeth-line.pdf. - see section 6.49 onwards.
As a ‘qualified’ exemption, the use of section 43(2) is subject to consideration of the ‘public interest test’ to determine whether it is in the greater public interest for the exemption to apply and the information to be withheld, or for it to be released in any event. We appreciate the need for openness and transparency in the operation of our business, and the fact you have requested the information is in itself an argument in favour of release. However, we also have a responsibility to secure the best value when spending public money, and we believe that placing the redacted information into the public domain would be to the detriment of any future procurement exercise, driving up prices and hence would come at a cost to the public purse. We therefore believe that the greater public interest rests in the exemption applying.
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 and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
