The UK’s Transport for London (TfL) has launched proposals for a new era of rail travel to provide better, more reliable services for the city and south-east.
The proposals would see the transfer of rail services that operate mostly or wholly within the Greater London boundary to TfL when the current franchises are due for renewal.
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Commuter services running from London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Moorgate, Victoria, Waterloo and London Bridge will be transferred under the plans.
As part of this initiative, TfL will work with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to create a more connected London rail network with frequent services and increased capacity.
TfL also plans to streamline fares and travel information across the whole suburban rail network, which will be rebranded as the London Overground.
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According to TfL, the transfer of inner suburban rail services, which is accountable to the mayor of London, will be introduced while ensuring service improvements for all and no detrimental effect on fares or longer distance services.
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By GlobalDataThe new agreement will examine the potential for a wide range of improvements across the railway network.
The deal will see creation of a London Suburban Metro service with the potential for more than 80% of stations which will have a train every 15 minutes, as well as the potential to provide more regular services via Clapham Junction, south-east London and Kent.
New rail lines will also be built to connect poorly serviced areas and to support new homes and jobs.
With the capital’s population set to increase from the current 8.6 million to ten million by 2030, the proposals should ensure the rail network will be able to cope, especially in South London, which is heavily reliant on surface rail.
UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "We are committed to making journeys better across London and the south east, and this new partnership represents a huge opportunity to transform travel by putting passengers where they should be, at the heart of the rail network.
"We are working closely with TfL to agree the best way of delivering integrated, seamless journeys for passengers both inside and outside of London, and as we continue these discussions, we want to hear people’s views."
According to TfL, the new arrangements will ensure that decisions affecting transport infrastructure support local and regional economic growth.
The first route to come under the next mayor’s control will be Southeastern in 2018 and it will be followed by Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern services in 2021.
The South West trains franchise is currently under negotiation with TfL but is likely to include a ‘break clause’, which could be taken over in 2019.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Our railways have been the workhorse of the London and south-east economy since Victorian times. They’re key in the day-to-day lives of millions of people and vital to our future prosperity, and that’s exactly why this new partnership is such a seminal moment.
"By working closely together and taking on these new services, we’re going to emulate the success of the London Overground and give the entire capital and surrounding areas the services they truly deserve."
Image: A new approach to rail passenger services in London and the south-east. Photo: courtesy of UK Department for Transport.
