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 will take place in November next year. It is in line with the Department for Transport's commitment to give 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 transfer, TfL will have complete responsibility for service levels on Silverlink Metro. It will now begin a process of procuring a concession to operate services after the transfer.
Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport 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."
Notes for Editors
1. The transfer of responsibility for Silverlink Metro services will take place on the 11 November 2007.
2. The current Silverlink franchise consists of Silverlink Metro services and Silverlink County services and expires in October 2006. The Silverlink County services will form part of the new West Midlands franchise as announced on 18th October 2005.
3. TfL's 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.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk
