20 things we learnt from TfL FoI requests in January 2025
1) 21% of applicants for a Train Operator role are female, 74% are BAME and 11% are over 50. At last count only 5% were successful. 2) Last year TfL spent £39.75 on numberplates, equivalent to two replacements. 3) If customers are waiting at a bus stop, buses should stop. Drivers should not ‘rebuke’ customers for not holding out their hand as some customers may not be able to do so. 4) During the first nine months of 2024, 100 pre-booked passenger assistance requests were recorded at West Drayton station. 5) From the launch of the ULEZ until 20 December 2024 TfL received £618,021,900 from daily ULEZ charge payments. 6) During the financial year 2022/2023, TfL recorded 945 potholes. 7) The three organisations who ran the most campaigns on TfL rail services last year were Islamic Relief UK, Government CCS and Newham College of Further Education. 8) In December Banksy's three monkeys were cleaned off the Overground bridge above Brick Lane because "unauthorised art can attract more graffiti, which encourages trespassing and anti-social activity that poses a danger to the operational railway and customers. This piece therefore had to be removed to prevent possible disruption." 9) The Next Train Indicator on the southbound platform at Northwood Hills has not functioned since November 2023, despite the unit being replaced, due to water ingress. 10 Customers need to be in possession of a valid ticket when using any rail replacement bus service, even though fares are not normally charged. 11) The Central Line Improvement Programme involves the complete refurbishment of all existing Central line trains including more reliable motors, better accessibility, improved customer information and a new moquette. It began ten years ago. So far £160m has been spent and two trains have been upgraded and entered into passenger service. Three more should enter service this year. 12) During the design stage of the September 2024 pocket tube map an unfortunate error was not spotted which led to the printed map including a mistake. This oversight led to a decision being made to reprint the map because "the accuracy of customer information is really important". The cost of replacing the maps was £94,000. 13) There is no exemption for driving in bus lanes on Christmas Day, even though there are no buses. 14) There have been 18 flooding incidents on the Elizabeth line since it opened, half of them at Gidea Park. 15) Pdf copies of pocket tube maps from 2004, 2005, 2011 and 2013 have been made available. 16) A new 'bus view' in the TfL Go app will go live in the first half of 2025, including the ability to move the map around to find different bus stops. 17) When renaming the Overground lines was proposed in 2015, the chosen names were North London Line, East London line, Barking line, Lea Valley line, Watford Local line and Emerson Park line. (I have blogged about this) 18) Since 2022 only one customer incident on the tube has involved paranormal activity (a distressed 15 year-old-boy at King’s Cross on the Metropolitan line in December 2023 mentioned that he had seen ghosts). 19) Trams are running to a reduced timetable due to the declining reliability of the tram fleet (and yes you can see a copy). 20) TfL does not currently have any Tesla vehicles and has not leased or hired any previously.
...and a new subcategory...
The five worst questions TfL were asked
1) Over 75% Dial a ride journeys are for solo passengers HOW LONG MUST THIS WASTAGE OF RESOURCES CONTINUE? 2) Again and again I have sent emails re lights on in broad daylight and unnecessary lighting Under The FOI act how many stations had their lighting on today and what was the electric costs never mind the light bulbs loss of life It is time TFL was split up and the bonuses paid were returned for all the fares lost and overspending and journeys which are so uncomfortable because of the grinding noises and speed of the trains Please see my previous email 3) Just inquiring to see if there is any information about the sound that plays when a bus terminates. It sounds almost like a gong. Just interested to know why that selection, it's quite an ominous sound and a weird way to end a journey, after sticking out a bus journey to termination I feel like you've earned the right to a positive noise that can help you push on to your home. I'm also interested to know the file name of the sound. 4) There was an ad it was an image of a lion I was wondering where I can find this or you could tell me what it was I’ve been looking all over the internet for it. Please could you help me find it? I would be really grateful as I require this for business purposes and art. 5) Hello. I’m sorry to bother you for this question but I am not native to the area. I was wondering if there is information in regard to the color of the mice. Is it simply genetic markings or are they that dark due to the conditions/being dirty. If so, what in the underground system is causing it to keep them this dark? Thank you for your time. I promise this is a legitimate question.
