FOI Request – Lyft
Request ID: FOI-3392-1920
Date published: 02 April 2020
You asked
Good afternoon,
Could I please request any records of phone calls, meetings, emails and any other type of relevant communication between TfL and the company Lyft, which trades as Lyft, Inc. The timeline I would be looking for would be between 5 March 2019 to 4 February 2020.
I am specifically looking for records of conversations about:
– Lyft's plans to launch in London
– Any discussion relating to Uber losing its TfL licence
The executives from Lyft who many have been involved in conversations with TfL include xxxxxxx or xxxxxx, however other Lyft employees may have been involved.
Thanks,
Martin
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3392-1920
Thank you for your request received on 5 February 2020 asking for information about Lyft.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Please note that in accordance with Section 41(2) we are not obliged to confirm or deny whether we hold information relating to plans Lyft has to launch a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service in London.
Additionally, section 41(1) of the FOI Act is an exemption where information has been provided to a public authority in confidence. Disclosure of this information would enable rival companies to have an insight into Lyft’s thinking, planning, and timing and could undermine their position in the competitive market place. Once any plans to launch are confirmed this information will become public knowledge, however no indication is given that this information will be disclosed to the public prior to such a decision. This confidentiality would additionally be breached if we were to confirm or deny whether the information was held.
As section 41 is an absolute exemption we have not gone on to consider the public interest test.
Please note, the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the Coronavirus. It is essential for London, and in particular for all critical workers, that we continue to provide a safe transport network that enables them to make the journeys they need to.
In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.
Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
[email protected]
Back to top
