In response to the Government’s announcement that rail franchising will end, Dr Alison Moore AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said:
“The complicated and fragmented rail franchise model was clearly not working for passengers.
“With COVID-19 passenger demand for rail has vastly changed, so the London Assembly Transport Committee welcomes the assurance from today’s announcement that railways will be supported to keep running safely during the pandemic. We hope, however, that the reforms announced today pave the way to greater devolution of London’s rail to TfL and a better deal for Londoners.
“Londoners are being short-changed when it comes to rail services that are being run in the capital and they deserve better. The Transport Committee, and the London Assembly as a whole, have time after time called for the devolution of suburban railway routes in London to TfL.
“TfL made drastic improvements to the London Overground line. The Assembly wants to see the same again with other suburban rail routes across London. The Committee looks forward to seeing the White Paper due later this year and will respond accordingly.”
Notes to editors
- Dr Alison Moore AM, Chair of the Transport Committee is available for interview. Please see contact details below.
- London Assembly Transport Committee.
- 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 Lisa Lam 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.