TfL Good morning, customer services, Ahmed speaking, how can I help?
Mktg Hi, I've just got a few questions about the plans to stop alcohol consumption on the tubes and buses. When do they come into place?
TfL That comes into effect 1 June.
Mktg OK, so what's the reasoning behind it then? I'm not a drunk; on my way home from work I'll occasionally drink a can, even if it has a low alcohol content, just something that's refreshing.
TfL Basically, after the Mayor elections, the new Mayor brought the policy in. It was his request to ban alcohol on London transport.
TfL OK. Is it to tackle yobbish kids, or everyone?
TfL It will apply to everyone who has got alcohol with them. It's advisable that they consume it before they get on the Underground, a bus, DLR or tram. It's just like smoking, you have to get rid of it before you get on the train.
Mktg The thing with smoking is that you're affecting everyone else, but if I was sat there sipping a can, I'm not hurting anyone.
TfL The thing is, after the new Mayor was elected, he brought this policy in. The ban is only for alcohol beverages, not for soft drinks.
Mktg How are they going to police it?
TfL Station staff will be dealing with that. They have also got more community police officers to help out.
Mktg What about on buses?
TfL The same on buses as well.
Mktg Are the drivers going to be responsible?
TfL No, not the drivers. There will be more police officers on those routes where they think that people are more vulnerable, or there is a higher risk. The idea is that there will be more police officers alongside it when it comes into effect.
Mktg Guess I'll just have to start using a bike then, like Boris.
TfL Yes, OK.
Mktg Thanks, bye.
VERDICT
The call-handler was able to give me some basic information but the lack of in-depth knowledge demonstrated that the policy has been sprung on TfL. The repetition of 'the new mayor has brought this policy in' illustrated that he was trying to distance himself from an awkward political question, for which he cannot be blamed. Boris Johnson will have to work hard to get people on board at all levels of the organisation.
SCORE 6/10.