TfL Looks Set To Take Over Local Rail Services
South West Trains could be out when franchise expires in three years time
Chiswick rail commuters could be amongst the first to benefit from Transport for London (TfL) taking control of London's suburban rail network, though it may not happen for three years.
South West Trains, which operates the service through Chiswick (the Hounslow Loop to Waterloo),could be taken over in 2019 but this depends on the situation regarding the franchise.
The South West trains franchise is currently under negotiation but is likely to include a "break clause" that means it could be taken over by RfL in 2019.
This would make SWT routes the second to come under the change, after Southeastern, which is expected to move over to TfL control in 2018.
A spokesperson for TfL said the situation regarding SWT was not yet clarified but it was possible it could change to TfL control by 2019 depending on the situation regarding the franchise.
The announcement that TfL would take over the network, to be rebranded London Overground, was made today (Jan 21).
Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern services will move under TfL control in 2021.
Some reports suggested that the change could lead to lower fares for commuters.
Under the new proposal, TfL will set up a joint management team with the Department of Transport, and will run services which operate within the capital's boundaries, while DfT officials will be responsible for the wider South East.
TfL said the change should lead to fare rationalisation and a better, more streamlined service under one structure, which should make it easier for commuters in a variety of ways, from ticketing, to messaging, claiming refunds and planning journeys.
SWT referred queries on the announcement to TfL.
Tony Arbour, London Assembly Member for Kingston, Richmond and Hounslow today welcomed the Government’s plans to give Transport for London the power to take over the South West Trains franchise in the constituency.
“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to redress the the long running anomalies created by the zoning of Kingston and Surbiton in zone 6 and Twickenham in zone 5.
"Moreover it will enable the great success of the Overground which we have seen in Richmond and Hounslow to be replicated across the network. I pay tribute to Boris Johnson for prevailing on the Government to bring this about.”
Unlike most of the existing franchise agreements, income from fares would be handed over to TfL to invest in the network, for example bringing in new walk-through trains with more doors and staffing 100 per cent of stations during operating hours.
January 22, 2016
