The former transport minister and Tooting MP is confident he has the know-how and experience to tackle London’s chronic house shortages as well as tightening the belt of the capital’s rail routes.
Mr Khan said: “The reality is train operating companies are not providing a good service to commuters – either value for money or the quality of service.
“It’s a daily headache and commuters are running out of patience.”
Mr Khan blames a Conservative-run City Hall and Government for failing to address London’s worst commuter trains.
Sadiq Khan believes he has what it takes to be Mayor of London
To make things right Mr Khan wants the Government to give control of all commuter rail services to TfL “at the earliest possible day that contracts allow”, effectively pushing firms like Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink out of the city.
Mr Khan said: “The reason why it makes sense for TfL to take it over is because it’s closer to the commuters who use the service.
“I have a fully funded package to freeze fares over the next four years.”
The mayoral candidate believes consultants and agency staff are costing the government-owned organisation too much, with an extra £61m being lost on fare evasion.
Labour's research showed Southeastern train route from Bromley South to London Victoria was late 84 per cent of journeys
And it’s not just trains Mr Khan hopes to tackle.
The Labour candidate also holds the same enthusiasm for grappling housing in the capital.
“TfL owns land equivalent to 16 times Hyde Park”, Mr Khan said.
“Why don’t we use some of that land?
“Keep the freehold and build affordable homes.
“We’ll be meeting London’s need but we’ll also have a revenue stream coming in from that housing.”
Independent experts have estimated that 50,000 to 80,000 new homes are needed in London.
The Conservative mayoral hopeful, Zac Goldsmith, has pledged to build 50,000 homes with “maximum affordability.”
However, Mr Khan said: “My worry about the obsession in numbers, is that the units of housing being built won’t be for Londoners.
“We need to make sure the right sort of homes are being built in London.
“There is no point building loads and loads of housing if they’re bought by investors in the Middle East and Asia.”
Mr Khan’s London Plan will give first dibs to Londoners – including a shared-ownership part-buy, part-rent scheme that will ensure residents who have lived in the city for five or more years are prioritised.
Mr Khan wants families to be able to have choice in London's housing
Mr Khan hopes a combination of either a social rent – council housing or homes where you pay a London living rent, or a shared ownership scheme – a combination of part-buy, part-rent, will create genuinely affordable homes. And what about protecting London’s elderly?
Mr Khan said: “A lot of the older people – their worry is that their children and grandchildren are being forced to move away from where they live.
“One of the reasons why there’s an increase in loneliness in London now is because it’s not possible to live near your mum or dad or grandparents.
“If you’re an older person and you live near your family you’re more likely to stay healthy, active and well.”
The London mayoral elections are taking place on May 5.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel