London Assembly Member for Enfield & Haringey, Joanne McCartney, has called on the Government to hand over the running of the Great Northern Metro services to Transport for London (TfL).
A new independent report into the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) franchise by Chris Gibb, a non-executive director of Network Rail, states that the Government could transfer the Great Northern Metro services, which run out of Moorgate, to TfL. This includes services which run through Enfield & Haringey.
Mr Gibb’s proposal states that it would reduce the risk to the current train operator, GTR, who are also responsible for Thameslink, Southern, Gatwick Express and other Great Northern trains. The report states that this could happen as soon as 2018.
Labour London Assembly Member for Enfield & Haringey, Joanne McCartney AM, said:
“I agree with Chris Gibb that there is an opportunity to hand these services to TfL. The Great Northern line serves as a vital commuter transport link for my constituents and services and capacity can be improved if Transport for London is in control. As such, I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, and asked him to seriously consider Mr Gibb’s proposal.
“TfL have already massively improved their existing services, including the lines out of Liverpool Street which also serve my constituency. They have proved that they can absorb more responsibility and deliver a better journey for passengers. I am sure that the Secretary of State will also want the best service possible for my constituents”.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The section of the report where Mr Gibb called for Great Northern Metro Services can be found on Page 51 where he states:
“I believe there is an option to transfer the Great Northern Metro operation to TfL and it’s London Overground concession in 2018. If TfL / the London Overground concessionaire were to take the lead in this transfer, and the implementation of the new trains and service, this could reduce risks associated with the Thameslink programme, led by GTR. However to do this, a decision should be made immediately, and discussions commenced with TfL, GTR and the London Overground concessionaire.” - The independent Gibb Report can be read in full here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/619795/chris-gibb-report-southern-rail.pdf
- Joanne McCartney is the London Assembly Member for Enfield & Haringey