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.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk