One of the benefits of non-geographic numbers is that they enable calls to be moved around to various call centres depending on a variety of factors. If the PSTN is used then there will possibly be several geographic numbers that are used. Undoubtedly there could be benefit in discovering some of these, however it would not necessarily be a like-for-like alternative, as is desired.

The key issue, as admitted in the response, is that TFL is letting customers fund part of the cost of using the service. Exactly the same service could be provided on a 03 number, indeed the 0345 equivalent could be brought into use, in parallel or as a replacement, within a matter of days. This would however mean that TFL stakeholders would be fully funding the service, rather than enjoying a small contribution from those who call it.

The fact that the premium cost involved in calling 0845 numbers is generally well in excess of the very modest benefit derived is the strongest argument in favour of abandoning use of 0845 numbers.

An FoI response from TfL gives the address where calls are answered to the new information line 0843 222 1234:

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/0843_222_1234_tfl_helpline#incoming-123815

4th Floor,
Zone G4,
14 Pier Walk,
North Greenwich,
London
SE10 0ES