Responding to the Mayor of London’s calls for Transport for London to take charge of key rail infrastructure, Silviya Barrett, Research Manager at Centre for London said:

“London is experiencing growing pains, and overcrowding on the rail network in London and the South East has doubled over the last 20 years.

“Since Transport for London took control in 2007, the Overground service has become a benchmark for high‐quality service. It provides high frequencies; higher‐capacity carriages; improved safety and accessibility; and improved station facilities.

“Now is the time to turn South London orange, by devolving powers over the operation of the suburban rail network to TfL. Devolving management of the accompanying infrastructure to TfL would also ensure a coordinated approach to investment in the network. This has the potential to transform existing rail lines into frequent, reliable services for commuters.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Centre for London is the capital’s dedicated think tank.
• In 2016 the Centre published Turning South London Orange, a report which called on government to devolve suburban rail services to Transport for London, as the current franchises expire.