Mayor Boris Johnson’s efforts to gain control of the Southeastern rail franchise are “unlikely” to be successful according to Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy.
The Mayor had called for devolution of the Southeastern and Greater Anglia rail franchises to allow Transport for London to improve services and provide a better passenger experience.
Mr Johnson’s ambitions for greater control of surface rail in the capital have been backed by the London Assembly and passenger watchdog London TravelWatch.
Speaking last year the Mayor said handing control over the franchises would allow him to improve passenger experiences and make savings which could be reinvested.
City Hall had suggested that an announcement about the franchises would be made in April however the decision was delayed, amid speculation that the Mayor’s ambitions could be blocked by Ministers
Last week it was announced that Ministers had agreed to transfer the West Anglia suburban rail services to TfL, a move will allow TfL to offer passengers a London Overground level of service.
The Overground is consistently one of the UK’s best performing rail services and enjoys high levels of public satisfaction.
However in a report to the TfL board, Sir Peter says: “Following discussions between the Mayor and the Secretary of State for Transport, it has become clear that devolution to TfL of rail services in southeast London is unlikely for the time being.”
Sir Peter says the Overground’s success proves TfL “can significantly improve rail services and station facilities.”
His report will be presented to the board on Wednesday in a public meeting to be held at City Hall.
