North Kent commuters could see services from stations including Ebbsfleet International and Dartford taken over by Transport for London.
The government's Department for Transport (DfT) announced on January 21 that TfL look set to take over the running of Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink’s suburban rail routes in 2018 and 2021 respectively.
Southeastern suburban rail routes might be taken over by 2018
The take-over would establish a "London Suburban Metro service" incorporating services to Dartford and Sevenoaks.
TOP STORIES: Stations in travel zones one to nine would become 'metro' stations - it is believed that Ebbsfleet may be incorporated into zone eight.
Southern suburban rail routes could be taken over by TfL in 2021
If plans are given the go-ahead both Crayford station in zone six and Dartford station in zone eight would be included in the changes.
Principal Transport Planner for Rail at Kent County Council (KCC), Stephen Gasche, said: "Rail commuters in Kent are set to benefit from the DfT’s decision that TfL will operate the ‘metro’ into Kent - including the metro routes to Dartford and the stopping service to Sevenoaks."
Thameslink’s suburban rail routes could also be taken over by 2021
It is believed that the proposed takeover could boost the number of trains reaching eight out of ten metro stations by 67 per cent.
According to the DfT, plans would see a train leave each station at least every 15 minutes, as well as the potential for more regular services via south-east London and Kent.
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West Kingsdown resident, Binny Moore, 44, from Vernon Close believes the takeover could be an opportunity to expand services - particularly for disabled travellers.
Mrs Moore, whose husband is severely disabled, said: "The government should use this opportunity to facilitate disabled travellers and make sure they are factored into their plans - I’m talking about full access."
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson isn't convinced the plans will work
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson expressed mixed opinions over the plans, saying: "I am not opposed to another company getting the local franchise but we have to make sure we don’t jump from the frying pan into the fire.
"I opposed TFL taking over the Dartford route when it was proposed before because they gave no assurances that fares would not go up in Dartford more than elsewhere, nor did they guarantee services from Dartford would not be cut.
"Until we get that guarantee I will continue to resist TFL which is totally unaccountable to the people of Dartford."
KCC is positive about the changes
It is currently unclear how Gravesham will be affected although KCC is investigating other possible benefits such as making journey times faster on Maidstone East services.
Dartford rail passengers are already able to use Oyster cards for their journeys and TfL want to extend this system into Sevenoaks.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London has praised the proposals
The new proposals were launched by the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP who described the new partnership as "a seminal moment."
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