London Rail

Infobox Public transit
name = London Rail


imagesize = 200px
locale = London, UK
transit_type = Regional rail
began_operation = 1999
ended_operation =
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lines =
vehicles =
stations =
ridership =
track_gauge =
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operator = Various train operating companies
owner = Transport for London

London Rail is an arm of Transport for London (TfL), involved in the provision of passenger service on the National Rail "heavy rail" network within London, UK. The division is responsible for the London Overground network, a rail service directly managed by TfL and run on National Rail lines mostly within London.

Despite its name, London Rail is not responsible for the rapid transit and light rail systems in London which are not part of the National Rail network. These are directly controlled by TfL's London Underground and London Trams divisions, and by Docklands Light Railway.

National Rail in London

The National Rail network within London carries large numbers of commuters into London and also provides many local services, especially within South London.

Under the Greater London Authority Act 1999 Transport for London was given powers to consult with the train operators and as such London Rail is therefore more of an enabler than an operator, and has developed partnerships with the Department for Transport (who are responsible for rail strategy), Network Rail (who own the infrastructure) and the various train operating companies (who manage the services) in order to further its aims.

A pilot project was launched in 2003 to promote the various services provided by train operating companies in South London under one umbrella brand, Overground Network. The scheme included station upgrades, signage and publicity, but promotion of the brand had ceased by 2007.

In November 2007, London Rail took direct control of the former Metro rail services of the Silverlink franchise under the London Overground brand. The lines, mostly in North London, are managed by TfL, with operation sub-contracted out to LOROL.

Future proposals

London Rail is responsible for the extension to the East London Line and is a source of funding for improvements to rail service frequencies and station facilities in the London area. The extended East London Line will form part of London Overground from 2010.

Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone had expressed the desire to gain control of all rail services in London in the future and make them part of the London Overground. cite news
title = London Rail Authority
publisher = alwaystouchout.com
date = 2006-09-07
url=http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/66
accessdate = 2007-12-16 ]

See also

* Overground Network

References

External links

* [http://www.tfl.gov.uk/rail/ London Rail website]