• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • COMMENT
  • Twitter

London Assembly calls for greater rail devolution

June 28, 2012 - Martin Hoscik@martinhoscik

TfL would provide the new franchises with London Overground levels of investment. Image: MayorWatch
The London Assembly has backed calls by Mayor Boris Johnson for Transport for London to take over Southeastern and West Anglia’s inner-suburban routes.

Last month Assembly Members heard that TfL was hoping to secure control of, or input into, the franchises, providing commuters with a London Overground level of service.

The Overground was built out of the failing Silverlink franchise and is now one of the UK’s most reliable and highest performing rail services.

Passengers have benefited from investment in new trains, refurbished stations and visible staffing.

Responding to the Government’s consultation on rail decentralisation, AMs on the Assembly’s Transport Committee said devolving the routes to TfL would result in better services, less bureaucracy and end passenger confusion around fares.

AMs say that while national Government should continue to set standards for outer-suburban and long-distance services, it backs TfL’s calls to set fares and service standards on inner-suburban routes.

TfL also wants all inner-suburban routes to carry London Overground branding.

Committee chair Caroline Pidgeon said: “At the moment ten different operating companies run various parts of London’s suburban rail network.  The result is a confusing mix of provision, quality and fares. 
 
“We believe Transport for London’s oversight would lead to more consistency and better services for passengers.
 
“Their success with the capital’s orbital rail network makes an excellent case for devolving control of inner-suburban franchises to the Mayor and Transport for London – starting with Southeastern and West Anglia.” 

Read the Assembly’s full response to the Government’s consultation.

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tagged With: Devolution, London Overground

RECENT UPDATES

Crossrail delayed until 2021 and bosses say project could go a further £650 million over budget

TfL uses WiFi data to improve Journey Planner’s accuracy

Mike Brown to leave TfL for new role overseeing Parliament’s renovation

Transport for London seeks views on new Bakerloo line extension plans




Popular

City Hall calls in Deloitte to boost BAME progression and close ethnicity pay gap

City Hall to review pay levels amid recruitment and staff retention concerns

TfL appoints ‘Build to Rent’ partner and promises to built 3,000 new rental homes across London

TfL confirms £1bn deal to sell and leaseback Elizabeth line trains

FEATURED

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

City Hall and TfL publish action plan to cut lorry and van deliveries in London

TfL planning return of annual fare hikes as agency looks to balance books following Crossrail delay

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2019 MayorWatch Publications Limited · MayorWatch is Registered Trademark · All Rights Reserved · Contact Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

MayorWatch Publications Limited · 20-22 Wenlock Road · London N1 7GU · Company Number 6291816

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.