Boris: I can cut rail fares and crowding on suburban lines

Boris Johnson today promised to cut fares if he wins control of London’s suburban railways.

The Mayor said he could deliver a cheaper and more frequent service and bring an end to overcrowded trains and heaving platforms.

On the campaign trail in Wimbledon, he told the Evening Standard: “We think we can cut them. Overground rail has seen eye-watering fare increases. We think we can deliver a cheaper service.”

His pledge will be seen as an attempt to overshadow his Labour rival Ken Livingstone’s own fares policy of cutting Tube and bus fares by seven per cent — which critics say would result in huge cuts to infrastructure projects.

Mr Livingstone won a huge boost in the polls after he announced the policy in January — though the Mayor now appears to be back in the lead, with the latest poll showing an eight-point gap. It comes after Chancellor George Osborne promised more investment in London’s transport network in yesterday’s Budget.

This could include extending and improving services, new rolling stock and bigger, better platforms.

Mr Johnson has now set his sights on getting a greater say over how overground rail is run — with two franchises, Greater Anglia and South Eastern, up for renewal in 2014.

He is lobbying the Treasury and Department of Transport ahead of the five-year rail plan which will be published in June. Under the plan he could gain significant control of key routes. He would then “integrate” these lines with the Underground and makes efficiencies that would allow him to cut fares.

Mr Johnson said: “This is the next big thing. Everybody knows that suburban rail is overcrowded, the service isn’t good enough. It’s a massive opportunity to improve transport in London. We’re doing Crossrail and the Tube upgrade and expanding and improving suburban rail is the next thing.” He added: “If we’re given a say in running overground rail then actually we’ll be able to drive down fares.” Mr Johnson has submitted a document to the Government setting out where he would make improvements. Ministers are said to be “looking seriously” at the proposals, which include:

Longer trains at Wimbledon — trains that go via Kingston, Richmond and Clapham Junction to Waterloo would increase from eight carriages to 10. Station upgraded.

Selected Essex Thameside services extended from eight to 12 cars, providing up to 80 additional vehicles (Barking, Dagenham Dock and Rainham).

Lengthen peak South Eastern services from Kent Coast to Victoria from eight to 12 cars, providing an additional 16 vehicles (Bexley, Bexleyheath, Sidcup and Albany Park).