.svg) | |
| Formation | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Type | Directorate ofTransport for London |
| Purpose | Overseeingregional rail operations |
Region served | Greater London, UK |
Parent organisation | Transport for London |
 | This article needs to beupdated. The reason given is:all references are from before 2015. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(September 2022) |
London Rail was a directorate ofTransport for London (TfL), involved in the relationship with theNational Rail network withinGreater London, UK which managed TfL's non-London Underground train services.
Rail for London, established in 2006, provides rail passenger transport services in London.[1]
London Rail managed theLondon Overground (LO),London Trams, theDocklands Light Railway (DLR), and theElizabeth line. As part of an internal restructure within TfL, it recently[when?] merged with the (previously separate)London Underground directorate, bringing all of Greater London local transport services on rails under one division.
The London Overground was established in 2007 when TfL took over the control of the former National RailSilverlink franchise in 2007. It has since taken on more services through a former London Underground line and over otherNetwork Rail lines. London Rail lets a concession to operate the Overground. Operation is contracted toArriva Rail London (owned byArriva UK Trains) until 2024.
London Trams is responsible only for the Croydon Tram known asTramlink. Tramlink was set up in 2000 by aprivate finance initiative. It was bought by TfL in 2008 and is operated on its behalf byFirstGroup. London Trams has been working on proposals for other tram schemes in west and central London, however as of 2011 all are unfunded or cancelled.
The Docklands Light Railway was established in 1987 and has seen significant expansion since. Its operation has been contracted out as a concession to a joint venture betweenKeolis andAmey since 2014.[2] There are also other concessionaires who have built and managed extensions.[3]
The Elizabeth Line (formerly known as Crossrail) also operates as a concession from London Rail.[4] It already operates the Shenfield Metro services, taking over fromAbellio Greater Anglia on 31 May 2015, as well as the ex-Heathrow Connect route since 20 May 2018.[5]
TheNational Rail network within Greater London carries large numbers of commuters into London and also provides many local services, especially withinSouth London.
Under theGreater London Authority Act 1999 Transport for London was given powers to consult with the train operators and as such London Rail is therefore more of an enabler than an operator, and has developed partnerships with theDepartment for Transport (who are responsible for rail strategy),Network Rail (who own the infrastructure) and the varioustrain operating companies (who operate the services) in order to further its aims.
A pilot project was launched in 2003 to promote the various services provided by train operating companies in South London under one umbrella brand,Overground Network. The scheme included station upgrades, signage and publicity, but promotion of the brand had ceased by 2007.
London Rail also influences rail freight and freight depots in Greater London.[6] In August 2007, London Rail published its 'Rail Freight Strategy' report.[7]
Both formerMayors of LondonKen Livingstone andBoris Johnson have expressed the desire to gain control of all local rail services in Greater London in the future and make them part of theLondon Overground. London Overground has already taken overLea Valley Lines services from Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt and Chingford andRomford to Upminster Line services on 31 May 2015.[8]
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
