Mayor of London - my pledge to rail commuters
Commuters on suburban rail lines have already had a terrible winter – with delays, cancellations, disruption and now a 2.3 per cent fares rise as well.
For commuters on Southern, Southeastern and South West services it simply can’t go on like this – but there is a better way.
Transport for London has proven time and again that when it takes control of a rail line, commuters get a more frequent, reliable and affordable service.
London's rail passengers deserve better. If TfL is given control of London's suburban rail lines - as the Government originally promised - I pledge to make the following improvements to your rail services.
My pledge to suburban rail commuters - inside and outside London
While the Mayor has frozen TfL fares across London’s transport network, the Government has allowed private train companies to increase rail fares by an average of 2.3 per cent this year.
If TfL assumes responsibility for suburban rail services, fares on these services would also be covered by TfL’s fares freeze.
Fit-for-purpose higher performance trains will lead to reduced time waiting in stations and faster journey times. Working alongside Network Rail, improvements to track, junctions and signalling will lead to increased train frequencies.
TfL would ensure there is staffing of all stations at all times, from the first train to the last train. More ticket barriers will also be installed at every London station to tackle fare evasion and make the network safer with stations cleaner and brighter.
There are fewer strikes, delays and cancellations on TfL services compared to commuter services like Southern, Southeastern and South West. The number of days lost to strike action on TfL services has reduced significantly since Sadiq Khan became mayor.
The evidence is clear that commuters get a better service when organisations like TfL engage and talk with train unions. This is in contrast to the Government which has completely lost control of the Southern crisis.
TfL would run services using a model where the operator focuses purely on train service reliability and high quality customer service. Services would be fully integrated into the rest of London’s transport, including Oyster and contactless payment at every station where it doesn’t exist today
Show your support for the Mayor’s rail pledge
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