London Assembly Member Joanne McCartney AM has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) takeover of services running between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town. TfL’s London Overground took over operations on 31st May. Joanne McCartney AM said the promise of greater reliability of services, lower fares, and better trains, would make a real difference for local residents but said the integration of London’s rail services “shouldn’t stop there”. Joanne McCartney AM lobbied for this route and other London's rail services to be added to the London Overground network, and has raised the issue on a number of occasions with the Mayor, Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy and the London Assembly Transport Committee. The London Overground is one of the most successful rail services in the country with a passenger satisfaction score of 91%. In 2014, 93.6% of London Overground trains arrived at their destination within five minutes of their scheduled time. TfL have promised a number of improvements to services on the West Anglia inner suburban routes which include cleaner stations, help points, CCTV and an improved customer information system. Staffing levels will be increased, with assurances that there will always be a staff member available at stations when trains are running. New trains will be introduced on the network from 2018 and in the interim period, TfL will refurbish and maintain the existing fleet. Ms McCartney said she would continue to hold the Mayor and TfL to account and ensure that they deliver on their promises to local residents. Local Labour London Assembly Member Joanne McCartney said:
“For too long local residents have had to put up with an unsatisfactory service on West Anglia railway route in Enfield. I have joined local residents in calling for improvements for many years and this takeover is a welcome indication that the message has got through.
“I will continue to hold the Mayor and TfL to account, ensuring they deliver the promises they have given on improving this commute for many local residents. Transport for London’s proven record on the Overground will give hope to local residents that their services will improve, but we shouldn’t stop there. We need one integrated London network and I will be continuing to press the case for the Great Northern route in the west of the borough to join TfL's successful London Overground service."