Transport for London has promised visible staffing and “thoroughly cleaned” stations when it takes over local rail services currently operated by Greater Anglia next year.
The capital’s transport authority is set to take control of the routes between Liverpool Street, Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford and 23 stations.
Services will be operated by LOROL, the company which operates trains on the London Overground, for an interim period of 17 months from May 31st next year.
The entire London Overground contract, including the newly acquired route, will then be re-let.
A TfL spokesperson said no final decision has yet been taken on whether the new service would use the London Overground brand.
TfL says passengers will see staff on all stations “from day one”, bringing “immediate improvements to station security, safety and accessibility.”
Other promised improvements include the deep cleaning of trains and stations, new ticket machines and, from summer 2018, new trains.
The makeover will mimic TfL’s approach when taking over the former Silverlink services in 2007.
Since then TfL and LOROL have turned one of the UK’s worst performing rail services into one of the most regular and delivered a boost in passenger satisfaction.
Jonathan Fox, who leads TfL’s rail business said: “London Overground is coming to West Anglia and will bring more staff, simpler ticketing and, eventually, brand new trains to these lines.
“LOROL has a proven record on delivery and I’m pleased that this will now extend to West Anglia.”
