Majority call for TfL to take over rail services

 

More than two thirds of rail passengers in the capital would like Transport for London (TfL) to take over national rail services in the region.

The survey of over 1,000 rail passengers found 68% saying they would prefer devolution towards TfL.

The survey from London Assembly also asked respondents about their top three priorities for improvements and identified ticket prices, delays and cancellations as major concerns.

About 26% said they prefer their existing operators - leaving a remainder undecided. 

The report Devolving rail services to London: Towards a South London Metro, says support for TfL was particularly high among users of the South London services that the mayor of London has prioritised for devolution.

Responding to the survey, passengers' main concerns included:

  • Cost of tickets (53% of respondents)
  • Delays and cancellations (43%)
  • Capacity of trains (30%)
  • Frequency trains (30%)

Valerie Shawcross AM, chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee said, ‘There is a growing consensus that rail devolution to London is a good idea, including among passengers both inside and outside of London.

'Our report makes recommendations for the future of the South Eastern and the South Western franchises. We also make suggestions for passenger engagement, infrastructure planning and financial risks.'

The survey follows heated debates between TfL and areas such as Kent, which have concerns about passing responsibility for over ground rail services to the capital's transport authority despite its impressive record.

In the summer, Kent County Council set out its red lines over TfL taking over Southeastern rail services, as part of the renegotiation of the area franchise in 2018.

Earlier this year, West Anglia suburban rail routes from Liverpool Street to north-east London became part of the TfL network.

 

Also see

 
comments powered by Disqus