TfL takeover of key rail commuter route into London backed as government says it’s considering bid
The London Assembly Transport committee has thrown its weight behind the proposal for Transport for London to take on the route through Moorgate and Enfield into Hertfordshire
05:30, 01 Dec 2025
A Great Northern train at London King’s Cross station
Ministers have come under further pressure to approve the devolution of Great Northern train services from Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage to Transport for London (TfL).
TfL officially submitted an application to take over the route in September, promising to increase frequency and “improve the quality of service”. Both the Mayor and the London Assembly Transport Committee have this week thrown their weight behind the proposal, which is still being weighed up by the Transport Secretary.
Under the plans, TfL would also upgrade Crews Hill, currently the tenth least-used station in Greater London, to ensure it runs more services than the current rate of four per hour in peak times.
The town is one of the 12 shortlisted by ministers for mass development, which could include up to 21,000 new homes. It would mean the station would need significant upgrades in order to keep up with any future demand.
On Tuesday the Mayor told the LDRS 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.”
The Mayor of London has said the devolution of services is one of his top asks from government(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
That same day, 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.
Crews Hill station is one of the least used in Greater London(Image: Callum Marius)
“The benefits of devolution of these services to London – and Londoners themselves – are clear.”
In his report to the TfL board last month, Commissioner Andy Lord said a takeover would mean they could “improve the quality of service, enhance customer experience, and deliver a transport service that aligns with the GLA, the Government, and our own shared priorities for housing and planning”.
He said he was hoping to secure an ‘Approval in Principle’ by the end of this year.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is yet to approve the proposal
Campaign group Railfuture has previously cast doubt on the idea due to the impending nationalisation of Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Great Northern, in May. There are also concerns over how commuters based in Hertfordshire, outside of the capital, could effectively hold TfL to account.
Neil Middleton, the group’s Vice Chair, said: “Railfuture would like to see the most cost effective, efficient and reliable train operator running services serving Moorgate. We want to see improvements to the service – for reliability, for delivering four trains per hour and for station staffing.
“The question is, who is best placed to deliver these at the lowest cost to the taxpayer and ticket buyer – Great British Railways or Transport for London?”
A Great Northern spokesperson told the LDRS: “Great Northern has a good track record of improving services having already introduced a fleet of modern, air-conditioned trains. Thanks to ground-breaking work by GTR and industry partners, these use in-cab digital signalling from Finsbury Park to Moorgate, boosting reliability for passengers.
“We’ve also made station improvements on the route, with investment in renewing Enfield Chase station to improve the experience for customers. We’re working towards running more trains in the rush hour from Gordon Hill and doubling the off-peak service to four trains an hour from Hertford North.”
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.”
Sign up for our London Underground newsletter for the latest travel updates to make your commute easier, plus a weekly fix of Tube trivia! Sign up HERE.
