You mentioned to the BBC that you were in the final testing stages of a ”new, longer-lasting cleaning agent” that would provide anti-viral protection for up to 30 days. From the record that you hold, can you share the name and manufacturer of this product as you are already using it ? In the article it states also , ''Poles and doors on buses which people regularly touch will also be wiped down with disinfectant every day''. Can you please share the name of disinfectant you use with manufacturer's name ? You also stated that '' advice from experts'', can you supply a copy of the health/risk assessment carried out on the tube network/stations and in trains regarding the coronavirus current issue ? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-51822317

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TfL Ref: FOI-3833-1920/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 March 2020 asking for information about cleaning on our tubes and buses.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.

I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. However, we are not obliged to provide you with the name and manufacturer of the products which are being used for cleaning on public transport as this information is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2). In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests.

Our priority at this time is to provide a safe environment for the essential key workers who are using our services. Releasing detailed information on the manufacturer and products which we believe offer the best protection at this time could increase the demand for such products, and subsequently affect the supply chain in the longer term. We need to ensure that we are able to procure all the necessary products for as long as required, at the best possible price.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, particularly where the expenditure of public money is concerned, but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that we are able to purchase all the products in sufficient quantities to keep our trains, buses and stations clean, outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.

We are unclear on exactly which risk assessments you are requesting. These can take many forms and work as live documents that can change regularly as situations develop. As part of our response to the coronavirus pandemic, we are regularly reviewing the risks to our customers and to our people. We have considered these at a strategic level and also at a detailed level. Where risks are identified, we have put plans in place to manage these risks. Our risk assessments are based on the advice from experts in Government and from Public Health England. We have used that advice to inform the plans we have put in place.

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.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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