TfL outlines what London commuter railways would be like under plan to make them like Overground

Trains approach a crowded platform at Clapham Junction
-Credit: (Image: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)


Transport for London (TfL) has outlined what commuter railways would look like if it took them over. During the London mayoral election campaign in the spring, Sadiq Khan pledged to to bring suburban London railway services under the authority's control, creating a 'revolutionary metro-style' system.

The Mayor of London added that he would work with an incoming Labour government to 'end the misery of failing outer London suburban rail services'. Now, bosses have outlined how this 'metroisation' would work.

TfL documents published this summer said: "Many Londoners continue to rely on suburban rail services outside of TfL's control. The Mayor is committed to exploring options for the devolution of some rail services from the DfT's model to TfL's as well as wider infrastructure improvements in order to improve services for customers."

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Sadiq Khan Labour Mayor of London speaking at Tulip Siddiqs, the Labour candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn, campaign launch
Sadiq Khan made the pledged as he ran for a third mayoral term -Credit:Nicola Tree/Getty Images

'An incremental but radical reshaping'

They added: "Our work on this proposal aims to define what elements of Metroisation could be delivered and by when and updating its strategic case. Metroisation and devolution can occur separately, but devolution could put us in a stronger position to realise the benefits of Metroisation including unlocking new homes that London needs. Metroisation would be an incremental but radical reshaping of the National Rail network."

Bosses say that this could include:

  • Predictable, ‘turn-up-and-go’ services: identifiable ‘lines’, consistent stopping patterns, even intervals

  • Better connections: higher frequencies and upgraded interchanges

  • More capacity: longer trains, new infrastructure and simpler service patterns

  • Shorter journey times: trains that accelerate and decelerate faster and wider doors for efficient boarding and alighting

  • More reliable services: simplified service patterns

  • Better customer service and experience: as per the London Overground devolution and the Elizabeth line have been rail success stories which have led to higher usage, higher levels of passenger satisfaction, and more reliable services

However, as MyLondon reported in June, Mr Khan - who is the Chair of TfL - may have to amend his promise to bring London commuter railway services under the authority's control as Labour steps in. The new Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, is said to have ruled out before the General Election TfL taking over the operation of commuter services.

The Financial Times reported that Labour said: "Under Labour's plans for publicly owned passenger rail, as franchises expire, they [the suburban services] would come under Great British Railways' control."

A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said at the time: "The existing commuter rail lines in London are clearly not fit for purpose - with cancellations, delays and poor reliability. We will work closely with a Labour government to deliver a system that provides the service passengers deserve."

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