Transport for London wants to take control of the Great Northern route which runs from Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North
The project could be completed within two years(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)
Transport for London (TfL) plans to take over two commuter routes, meaning 20 new places could get Overground stations by the end of 2027. TfL is pushing the government to allow it to take to take control of journeys between Moorgate and both Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North.
Great Northern Railway currently operates the route, but its operator Govia Thameslink Railway is set to be brought under public ownership in May next year. This in principle would allow the government to hand control of it to TfL, who want to make it part of the TfL network.
The ‘Great Northern Inners’ business case commissioned by TfL revealed the project would cost £239m or £310m. It would see 20 stations currently owned by National Rail taken over by TfL and entirely/part converted into London Overground stops.
The cheaper option would see the frequency of off-peak services increased from two to four per hour on both Welwyn and Hertford branches. The more expensive option would see the frequency of both peak (up to eight per hour) and off-peak (up to six per hour) to align with the expected surge in capacity once the new town in Crews Hill is constructed.
Sadiq Khan has backed the TfL takeover(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
This £310m option also accounts for the upgrade of Crews Hill station to facilitate the 21,000 being built. Over a 10 year period the report states this would actually be the more cost effective option as it would raise £118m in revenue from the increased number of journeys, compared to £30.76m under the cheaper option.
The stations would could come under Transport for London ownership within two years
- Alexandra Palace
- Bayford
- Bowes Park
- Brookmans Park
- Crews Hill
- Cuffley
- Drayton Park
- Enfield Chase
- Essex Road
- Finsbury Park
- Gordon Hill
- Grange Park
- Hadley Wood
- Harringay
- Hatfield
- Hertford North
- Hornsey
- New Barnet
- New Southgate
- Oakleigh Park
- Palmers Green
- Potters Bar
- Watton-at-Stone
- Welham Green
- Welwyn Garden City
- Winchmore Hill
Highbury and Islington, Moorgate and Old Street, which are already owned by TfL, will also get new London Overground platforms.
On Tuesday, December 2 the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan told MyLondon that handing TfL control of the services was one of his top asks of the government, adding: “I’m lobbying the government for the devolution of the Great Northern line, which will really help in Crews Hill and Enfield.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is yet to approve the proposal
That same day, Greater London Authority Transport Committee chair Elly Baker wrote to the Transport Secretary to lend cross-party support to the proposal. She said: “The committee believes now is the time for further devolution of rail in London.
“National Rail lines play an important role in London’s transport mix, but these services are currently under-performing and, as a result, are under-delivering for Londoners. Improving the reliability of stations and services, fare integration and customer information could all deliver for London – and Londoners.
“Like the devolution of services that has come before, we believe devolution of Great Northern inner services to TfL could enable TfL to make those improvements to these services. We also understand TfL plans to increase the frequency of services on these lines, which could unlock housing delivery and support economic activity in both London and Hertfordshire.
“The benefits of devolution of these services to London – and Londoners themselves – are clear.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Any decisions on devolution need to carefully consider the financial and commercial implications given the current level of taxpayer subsidy on the rail network. Transport for London’s proposal is still under review, and we will continue to engage with them.”
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