Transport for London proposes Kent rail line takeover

Several rail lines between Kent and London may be taken over by Transport for London (TfL).

If this takeover happens, TfL’s Oyster card would be used on lines in Gravesend and Sevenoaks that are currently serviced by rail operator Southeastern Trains.

As TfL’s franchise is up for renewal in June 2018, the private operator believes these lines aren’t adequately used and could accommodate more frequent services.

But if TfL can’t get the backing from local councils, then the government, which let’s the franchises, will unlikely approve the proposed takeover.

Matthew Balfour (Con), Kent’s cabinet member for environment and transport told a London Assembly hearing: “There are a number of potential benefits to the county’s rail users.

“However, we are absolutely clear that we will not accept any reduction in service levels as a result of services being transferred from Southeastern to Transport for London.

“We have also stated that there must be no detrimental effect on Kent’s rail fares.”

However, cllr Balfour did admit that Kent’s council are not completely against the transfer. He added: “It is clear that there could be real benefits for Kent’s rail passengers through the extension of TfL’s Oystercard and/ or smartcard ticketing to Gravesend and Sevenoaks”

The council is currently in negotiations with TfL, which already runs several lines into north-west Kent.

Geoff Hobbs, TfL head of transport planning for London rail and underground,added: “We are of course very keen to bring our London Overground model to other parts of the city, and will work closely with anyone interested, including those in Kent, on the best way to improve rail services for passengers.”