Devolution of Train Franchises

“This Assembly notes the recent decision by the Department for Transport to issue to Govia a short-term extension of the South Eastern passenger franchise until November, with an option of a further extension to 1 April 2020.

This Assembly reiterates its long standing support for the devolution of train franchises and for more suburban rail services to be run on the successful model of London Overground.

This Assembly believes that the lack of interest in the bidding process for the South Eastern passenger franchise provides a vital opportunity for the merits of train devolution to be fully reconsidered by the Department for Transport.

This Assembly urges the chair of the London Assembly to write a joint letter with the Mayor of London showing unanimous support for greater devolution of train franchises in London, starting with many of the metro train lines that currently exist in the South Eastern passenger franchise.”