Southeastern and TfL

[melikepie]

Apparently a recent petition by over 3000 people plus local MPs and other important figures are calling for TfL to take over the Southeastern Metro, according to this newsletter

853.london/2023/03/02/thousands-back-call-for-tfl-to-run-southeastern-metro-as-rail-firm-adds-charing-cross-trains/

www.standard.co.uk/news/london/southeastern-timetable-london-bridge-overcrowding-petition-trains-delays-transport-b1056585.html

[stapler]

It is true that where TFL have overgroundised ex-NR lines, there have been large gains in ridership and approval. But is TFL in the market to do such a thing? And surely the finance isn't there to chuck money at the problem?

[Chris M]

~2-3 years before the pandemic there was a study that concluded the benefit:cost ratio to TfL taking over Southeastern's metro services was about 3:1 or 4:1 (iirc), but Chris Grayling rejected it out of hand.
Since then TfL's finances have taken a major hit and the DfT and Treasury have become increasingly opposed to devolution, centralising control to the extent that many TOCs (including Southeastern) exist only to take the bad publicity. Until both situations change then there would be no benefit to TfL taking over Southeastern as they wouldn't be able to change anything meaningful meaning that they would be the target of commuter anger instead.