Request ID: FOI-0256-2425 Date published: 15 May 2024
You asked
The duration and frequency of repairs required for the Cutty Sark DLR escalators is a disgrace to TfL.
1. What is the exact, detailed reason for the duration and frequency of the escalators being out of service and requiring repairs?
2. Which errors have been made in the process of repairs, which have resulted in multiple delays and frequent breakage?
3. What has been the cost of the repairs? How could the process have been managed more successfully?
4. Which activities is TfL undertaking to review the performance, how this was handled, the errors and the embarrassment of the last few years of escalator service at this station?
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0256-2425/GH Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21 April 2024 asking for information about Cutty Sark DLR escalators. 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. 1. What is the exact, detailed reason for the duration and frequency of the escalators being out of service and requiring repairs? The lifts and escalators had previously been maintained by City Greenwich Lewisham (CGL) Rail, the Private Finance Initiative that funded the DLR extension to Greenwich and Lewisham and was responsible for all maintenance of that section from 1999 until early 2021.
Maintenance at this station only moved under our control in early 2021. Work was then undertaken to understand the extent of repairs needed to the escalators which was much more extensive than initially thought.
A number of custom parts needed to be made to complete these works. Many of these parts came from manufacturing plants across the globe, which meant there were delays in sourcing these due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Which errors have been made in the process of repairs, which have resulted in multiple delays and frequent breakage? Engineers reported that the escalators were in poorer condition than previously anticipated. This was not something that could be ascertained until the works had been commenced. Our timeline for the restoration of the escalators to customer service has been complicated by both their condition as well as the number of custom parts needed to complete the work and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. What has been the cost of the repairs? How could the process have been managed more successfully? The combined cost of mid-life overhaul of the four escalators at Cutty Sark is £845,695.05. 4. Which activities is TfL undertaking to review the performance, how this was handled, the errors and the embarrassment of the last few years of escalator service at this station? Throughout these works, we received some feedback about the information and communication available relating to this programme and the issues we have encountered. We have listened to comments and worked hard to improve our engagement with both customers and stakeholders. We have also ordered custom parts further in advance and ahead of starting work on the final escalator. This should reduce the time we need to take this escalator out of service and help minimise any further inconvenience for customers. Please let me know if this is not the information you are looking for. 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
