01.02.06
Mayor to take responsibility for Silverlink Metro
The Department for Transport has announced that responsibility for Silverlink Metro services will be transferred to Transport for London.
Silverlink Metro consists of train services between Richmond and North Woolwich, Gospel Oak and Barking, Clapham Junction to Willesden Junction and local services between Watford and Euston.
The transfer, which will take place in November 2007, is in line with the Department for Transport’s commitment to giver the London Mayor more control over rail services within Greater London Authority area. Responsibility for Silverlink Metro services is being transferred because it is the one national rail service that operates almost entirely within the GLA boundary.
After the date of the transfer, Transport for London will have complete responsibility for services levels on Silverlink Metro. It has begun a process of procuring a concession to operate services after the transfer. The concessionaire will continue to honour a number of national agreements on day one of the transfer and also be obliged to provide rolling stock for two services in Silverlink County that are not transferred. TfL can, however, make changes after the transfer, provided that they consult properly.
Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, said, “Part of the Silverlink Metro service includes the North London Line, which is a crucial link to the 2012 Olympics. The Government, Transport for London and London 2012 are developing plans to greatly enhance the capacity of the line both in preparation for the Games and to leave a lasting legacy.”
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