Request ID: FOI-4094-2324 Date published: 08 March 2024
You asked
In your response to request FOI-3208-2324 you provided a Smart Stations End of PoC Report, in which it is stated: “In February 2021, Virgin Media O2 (instigated by T&D) presented to the group a new concept which they had delivered for Network Rail which provided real-time analytics and intelligence using smart cameras, internet of things (IoT) sensors and 5G connectivity to help station staff understand passenger movement, security, and safety issues and to improve their customer service.”
I request copies of:
a) the presentation given by Virgin Media O2 to TfL in February 2021
b) documentation produced recording this presentation
c) any further presentations or similar by Virgin Media O2 to TfL
d) any proposals for new uses of AI on the network since 2021
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-4094-2324
Thank you for your request received on 13 February 2024 asking for information about a presentation given by Virgin Media O2.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
In your response to request FOI-3208-2324 you provided a Smart Stations End of PoC Report, in which it is stated: “In February 2021, Virgin Media O2 (instigated by T&D) presented to the group a new concept which they had delivered for Network Rail which provided real-time analytics and intelligence using smart cameras, internet of things (IoT) sensors and 5G connectivity to help station staff understand passenger movement, security, and safety issues and to improve their customer service.”
I request copies of:
a) the presentation given by Virgin Media O2 to TfL in February 2021
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the requested information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) – prejudice to commercial interests.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested would be likely to prejudice commercial interests, in this instance those of Virgin Media O2. The presentation contains detailed information on Virgin Media O2’s solution design and could be advantageous to their competitors and undermine their ability to offer such solutions to future clients.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency by public authorities but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that the we do not disclose information that could prejudice Virgin Media O2’s ability to remain competitive outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.
b) documentation produced recording this presentation
We do not hold this information.
c) any further presentations or similar by Virgin Media O2 to TfL
There have been no further presentations or similar made by Virgin Media O2 to TfL.
d) any proposals for new uses of AI on the network since 2021
We are using artificial intelligence (AI) in a variety of ways on our network, including looking at possible solutions to detect fare evasion as well as identifying the potential traffic impacts our schemes will have. Please visit our website for information on some of the projects which have utilised AI:
