Transport for London (TfL) is to take control of overground rail services in the north on London for the first time.
From Autumn 2007 the body will take control of:
- The North London Line
- The London Euston to Watford Junction local Line
- The West London Line from Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction via Kensington Olympia; and
- The Gospel Oak to Barking Line.
According to press release issued today the process of appointing an operator to run the concession will start immediately and conclude on 11 November 2007. In the meantine services will continue to be run by the current franchise operator, Silverlink Metro, managed and funded by the Department for Transport.
Welcoming the decision by the Department for Transport Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said: “Today’s announcement means that, from 2007, Transport for London can begin to revitalise London’s overground rail services just as it has done with buses and is doing on the Tube.
In addition to improved services, my first priority will be station safety and security, which means putting staff back into the stations where the public want to see them. Stations that are currently often understaffed or empty altogether will be staffed adequately, offering passengers a more visible and reassuring presence. Stations and trains will be improved with additional security enhancements including CCTV at stations and on trains.”
The mayor promised that from “Autumn 2007, passengers should see some immediate benefits on the railway including additional station staff to provide improved customer service, security and revenue protection”