Sadiq Khan pledges ‘metro-style’ London suburban train system if re-elected

Sadiq Khan has pledged to bring suburban rail services under Transport for London’s control if re-elected as mayor of London next week.

Mr Khan said he would work with a future Labour government to “end the misery of failing outer London suburban rail services,” if he wins a third term on May 2.

The Labour incumbent said he would explore which lines could be transferred to the control of TfL when current contracts expire. Services are currently run by an array of private operators.

Mr Khan revealed on Friday morning that the first “devolved” metro-style services could be Suburban Southeastern from Kent to Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street, and Great Northern from Hertfordshire to Moorgate.

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This follows the Labour Party’s announcement to roll out nationalisation of rail during the first five years in power if it wins the next general election.

Labour says bringing suburban rail services into TfL would deliver more frequent trains, greater reliability for passengers and better customer service.

The services that could be brought under TfL control would depend on factors such as whether they run mostly or wholly within Greater London, and when contracts with the Department for Transport are due to expire.

In addition, the mayor suggests that up to 130,000 new homes could be built within one kilometre of existing stations as a result of 'improving services' in south and south east London.

The first lines brought under TfL control 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 operators running our suburban rail services have been letting down Londoners year after year,” said Mr Khan.

“The experience of commuters has been one of delays, poor service and unjustified hikes in fares. Rail devolution would bring huge benefits for Londoners.

"The Tories talked about rail devolution, but completely went back on the promise."

The government says the rise in rail fares, activated earlier this year, was limited to 4.9%. Officials say this was much lower than the 9% retail price index (RPI) inflation figure in July, on which the annual increases are historically based.

The fare increase was also delayed till March this year, instead of January when fare hikes usually come into force.

LondonWorld has contacted the mayoral candidates from the other main parties for comment.

The London mayoral election is on Thursday May 2, along with election of members of the London Assembly.