London calls for more power
The London Assembly is pushing for more autonomy from the government when it comes to managing rail services in the city. Their aim is to ensure that the residents of London can reap the benefits of any plans to bring the rail system back under public ownership. The assembly has addressed a letter to Rail Minister Lord Hendy, urging the government to make changes to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill 2024-25.
The proposed modifications to the bill would grant Transport for London the authority to operate services that run into and within the capital. The committee believes that if more rail services are devolved, Transport for London should have the power to appoint a public sector operator for the Elizabeth Line and Overground.
These steps align with the adjustments that have been implemented for other services in London since the bill was introduced.
Elly Baker, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, expressed, “The London Assembly has consistently championed greater devolution of transportation services in London, and the findings from our investigation further reinforced that stance.
“The committee acknowledges that any additional devolution would raise intricate and critical issues concerning governance and mechanisms for ensuring accountability in rail services.
“That is why the committee has reached out to the Mayor and the Government, urging them to involve Londoners and the Assembly from the outset in discussions on how further devolution should be implemented in practice.”
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