Sadiq Khan hints at improved London bus services if TfL gets to run them instead

Sadiq Khan has suggested that Londoners should expect improved bus services if their operators were brought under TfL's control. The mayor says the capital's transport authority would take over contracts when those with private firms expire if he were re-elected as Mayor of London on May 2.

Now, he has told MyLondon that customers' experience would be better than at present, using TfL's takeover of London's Overground services as an example.

Mr Khan said: "One of the things that Londoners will have notice when we took over, for example, the London Overground, is the service improved hugely. It's been 'metroised'. People get value for money with the TfL fares freeze.

READ MORE: Sadiq Khan stands by machete joke as knife crime 'increases in London by 20%'

"And so the franchise system operates on profit. Companies bid for the contracts, get a franchise, then make a profit. There are 16 companies making profit. I've got nothing against profit; profit is a good thing.

"But just imagine if these buses were run by TfL. Profits would go into TfL and provide more services rather than dividends to share holders."

It comes as the mayor unveiled a plan to create a 'metro-style' railway system by bringing privately operated train services under TfL's umbrella. Mr Khan says that the first could include:

• Suburban Southeastern services linking Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street with Dartford, Hayes and Sevenoaks

• Great Northern services connecting Moorgate with Welwyn Garden City, Hertford and Stevenage

The move would deliver 'genuine benefits' to Londoners who rely on these services, the mayor's team says.

Read our full exclusive interview with the current Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, ahead of May 2 here. You can also read MyLondon's interview with the Tory candidate, Susan Hall, here.

Don't miss out on the biggest stories from across the city, including the latest about the capital's transport network. Sign up to MyLondon's The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.