Transport for London (TfL) has provided an update on its plans to transform a busy Thameslink route into a London Overground line. The transport authority aims to take control of the route between Moorgate and both Hertford North and Welwyn Garden City, promising more frequent services and better connectivity for Crews Hill, where a new town with 21,000 homes is under development.
Last December, TfL submitted its outline business case to the Department for Transport (DfT). The proposal argues that since operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is now under public ownership, the government should transfer control to TfL. One option, costing £239 million, would increase off-peak service frequency from two to four trains per hour. A more ambitious £310 million option would boost peak services to up to eight trains per hour and off-peak services to up to six per hour.
Responding to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, a TfL officer stated that the authority is addressing operational comments from the DfT while refining its full business case. Once submitted, the Secretary of State for Transport will review and decide on the handover. The DfT confirmed ongoing discussions with TfL but noted that timelines are not yet finalised.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan emphasised that devolving the Great Northern line to TfL is a top priority. He said: 'I'm lobbying the government for the devolution of the Great Northern line, which will really help in Crews Hill and Enfield.' The proposal has cross-party support, with Greater London Authority Transport Committee chair Elly Baker writing to the Transport Secretary to endorse the plan. Baker stated: 'The committee believes now is the time for further devolution of rail in London. National Rail lines are under-performing and under-delivering for Londoners. Improving reliability, fare integration, and customer information could deliver for London.'
The benefits of devolution include unlocking housing delivery and supporting economic activity in London and Hertfordshire. Stations that could become part of the London Overground include Alexandra Palace, Bayford, Bowes Park, Brookmans Park, Crews Hill, Cuffley, Drayton Park, Enfield Chase, Essex Road, Finsbury Park, Gordon Hill, Grange Park, Hadley Wood, Harringay, Hatfield, Hertford North, Hornsey, New Barnet, New Southgate, Oakleigh Park, Palmers Green, Potters Bar, Watton-at-Stone, Welham Green, Welwyn Garden City, and Winchmore Hill. Highbury and Islington, Moorgate, and Old Street, already owned by TfL, would also gain new London Overground platforms.
The proposal could see services between Moorgate and Hertford North or Welwyn Garden City become two to three times more frequent, significantly improving commuter options.
