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Transport for London given ability to propose changes to inner suburban rail services

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT News Release (084) issued by The Government News Network on 18 July 2007

Guidance published today will allow TfL to better integrate London's inner suburban rail network with the rest of the capital's transport system.

The guidance explains the role of TfL in the rail franchise process and, following a consultation last year, allows TfL to propose and pay for extra train services and station improvements on certain 'inner suburban' routes that extend just beyond the Greater London Authority boundary.

When proposing service or station changes TfL will have to consult local transport authorities in the affected areas beyond the boundary, as well as Regional Assemblies and London TravelWatch. Were TfL to seek any reductions to service levels, the governance arrangements are stronger. TfL would require the agreement of affected local transport authorities.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"The changes I have announced today will allow TfL to propose and pay for improvements on some key commuter services that start or end just outside the GLA boundary. At the same time the new arrangements make sure the interests of passengers from just outside London are protected by their own elected representatives."

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said:

"Transport for London has clearly shown its commitment to improving London's rail network, with funding for the extension of the Oyster system, an investment of £1.4 billion in the North London Railway and the extended East London Line, and further investment in station safety across the capital. This additional guidance is another step towards a fully integrated public transport network for London."

The Department for Transport will continue to liaise with TfL to ensure that its views and aspirations are considered as part of the franchising process.

Notes to Editors

1. The 'inner suburban' services that terminate beyond the GLA boundary, and on which TfL will be able to propose changes to services levels, are:

* Services from Charing Cross, Victoria or Cannon Street, terminating at Dartford;

* Services from Blackfriars or Victoria, terminating at Sevenoaks, via Swanley;

* Services from Charing Cross, Cannon Street or Victoria, terminating at Sevenoaks, via Orpington;

* Services from Victoria or London Bridge, terminating at Caterham;

* Services from Victoria or London Bridge, terminating at Tattenham Corner;

* Services from Victoria or London Bridge, terminating at Epsom or Epsom Downs;

* Services from Waterloo, terminating at Hampton Court;

* Services from Waterloo, terminating at Shepperton;

* Services from Waterloo, terminating at Windsor and Eton Riverside;

* Services from Waterloo, terminating at Epsom;

* Services from Paddington, terminating at Slough;

* Services from Kings Cross Thameslink, terminating at St Albans;

* Services from Kings Cross or Moorgate, terminating at Welwyn Garden City;

* Services from Kings Cross or Moorgate, terminating at Hertford North;

* Services from Liverpool Street, terminating at Hertford East;

* Services from Liverpool Street, terminating at Shenfield; and

* Services from Fenchurch Street, terminating at Grays, via Rainham.

The definitions refer to the main weekday services and may alter for operational purposes or for some late night or weekend services.

2. In instances where TfL and local transport authorities cannot reach agreement, the disputes should come to the Secretary of State for Transport and feed through the normal franchise dispute resolution process. The Secretary of State shall be the final arbiter of any disagreements.

3. A Commencement Order bringing section 17 of the Railways Act 2005 into force on 8th August 2007 was made on 10thJuly. This requires the Mayor of London to review the membership of the full-time TfL Board to assess whether there are at least two members on the Board who can represent the interests of people living, working and studying in areas outside of Greater London served by rail services running into London. If there are insufficient members on the current Board, the Mayor has 6 months from the making of the order to appoint the required members to the Board.

4. Further details of TfL's role in relation to rail services can be found in 'Guidance on the role of Transport for London in the Department for Transport's rail franchising process', published today on the DfT website.

5. The DfT ran a 12-week consultation which finished at the end of May 2006. The Department received 107 responses, with approximately three quarters of responses from organisations and the remaining quarter from the public. A summary of the consultation is published on the DfT website today.

6. The Government will publish the High Level Output Specification and longer term rail strategy this summer which will detail the requirements the Secretary of State has for rail services in the period 2009-2014, and examine longer term issues for rail in London and elsewhere.

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Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk