The Government is to take over running services on train operator Southeastern after a “serious breach” of its franchise agreement. Southeastern is run by Govia and operates services across south-east England, covering London, Kent, East Sussex and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
In response to the announcement, Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said:
“Today’s news should focus minds on how important it is for London to have a reliable, efficient transport network, particularly after the upheaval of the pandemic.
While we wait for the implementation of Great British Railways in the Williams-Shapps Plan, it’s worth drawing the government’s attention to the success of TfL Rail and the London Overground, which has led to more efficient rail services throughout the Capital.
The simplest plan would be for the Government to hand-over control of all suburban rail lines to Transport for London, which will integrate rail lines across Greater London into a single, centralised network.”
Notes to editors
- Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee is available for interview – see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.