TfL Ref: FOI-4605-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 14 March 2024, asking for documents about fraud losses from accepting contactless mobile payments.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
However, in accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply you with the information you requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 31(1)(a) and 31(1)(b), which exempt from disclosure information which would or would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime and the apprehension or prosecution of offenders.
Disclosure of information about losses to our revenue collection from mobile payments, would expose the extent to which these payments are contributing to fare evasion. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, a disclosure under the Freedom of Information act is a disclosure ‘to the world at large’ and in this instance the exemption has been applied as highlighting fraud opportunities could be used by people wishing to commit fraud, or by those undertaking such activities to avoid discovery.
We also consider this information to be exempt under section 43(2) as it would be likely to prejudice TfL’s commercial interests. In this instance the section 43(2) has been applied as material about fraud losses could be exploited by individuals looking to evade fares, and a loss of revenue to TfL, thereby affecting the services we can provide to the travelling public.
The use of these exemptions 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, but in this instance feel that balance lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that fare evasion is prevented wherever possible to protect public funds.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
