On December 3rd, 2003, London Rail, part of Transport for London (TfL), responded to the SRA Consultation document for the Integrated Kent Franchise (IKF). To view the full text of TfL’s response please click here. (PDF 104k)
In summary, TfL, London Rail, is concerned that the initial proposals do not take into account the expected population, and commuting, growth planned in the area of SE London and Kent over the next 10 to 20 years. The Draft London Plan (DLP), the Mayor’s spatial development strategy, anticipates that London’s population will grow by more than 700,000 (9%) by 2016. Furthermore, the DLP anticipates an increase in London employment of 637,000 (14%) over the same period. The Kent Structure Plan anticipates 115,000 new homes to be built in Kent by 2021 with a 40,000 increase in the working population in the County. In addition, the Office of Deputy Prime Minister’s (ODPM) “Sustainable Communities” programme (July 2003) identified Ashford as a major growth centre, to provide 31,000 new homes and 28,000 new jobs, by 2031.
The DLP and ODPM’s proposals require additional capacity to be provided on rail services in the IKF area. They assume a 10% increase in Kent “outer” services and the introduction of 12 coach operation on some “inner” suburban routes, such as the North Kent line, to keep pace with this planned growth.
TfL, London Rail, believes that the present IKF plans do not take into account the necessary increases, for all services in SE London and Kent, that will be required to meet London’s needs, and that the SRA should address these concerns as a matter of urgency.
The SRA document includes discussion about the introduction of Channel Tunnel Domestic Services and whether such services should replace, or be used as additional rail services into London. It implies a relatively high level of substitution of existing services, rather than an overlay on top of current service levels, and TfL regard this conclusion to be against the best interests of rail users in the IKF area. Moreover, TfL also believes that whilst the Channel Tunnel Domestic Services that are proposed will provide journey opportunities into St Pancras and Stratford, many rail users will wish to continue to travel to the more traditional London terminii (Charing Cross, London Bridge, Blackfriars). TfL are concerned that the proposed level of services to these destinations will fall short of demand.
TfL, London Rail, proposes a level of service provision, in London, of a minimum of four trains per hour, at regular frequencies, to give passengers a “turn up and go” service. Stations should be welcoming, well-lit, safe, provide up to date train running information and be staffed for the majority, if not all, of the period when trains are running. To provide a secure environment, which attracts passengers and will boost demand for rail travel, the provision of CCTV cameras, Help Points and the integration of all transport modes should be the norm. TfL has given the SRA detailed proposals as to each of the inner and outer London routes in the IKF.
As far as fare levels are concerned, TfL would like to see a zonal based fare structure, with the use of smartcards being promoted. Any proposals to charge a premium level fare on Channel Tunnel Domestic Services, if alternative services are not provided, would not be supported by Transport for London.
