Transport for London will not take over Southeastern rail services, it has been revealed today.
Transport Secretary and Conservative MP for Epsom and Ewell Chris Grayling told the Evening Standard TfL would not take over suburban rail services.
He said: "The last thing our railways need in London is deckchair shifting without a clear sign that there is something better on the other side
Sadiq Khan said this afternoon that commuters will be 'bitterly disappointed' by the decision.
In a statement he said: "Commuters across South London and the wider South-East will be bitterly disappointed today.
"The government have announced they are breaking their commitment to devolve control of Southeastern rail services to Transport for London.
"TfL have proved over and over again that when they have control of suburban lines there are more frequent trains, fewer delays and cancellations, more staff at stations and fares are more affordable.
"Just look at the London Overground - which went from being one of the worst lines in the country to one of the best once TfL took control.
"Rail devolution isn't party political - we have support from MPs and councils from all parties in London, from business leaders and representative and even from councils outside London like Kent and Surrey - who know commuters will get a better service under TfL.
"It's not too late for the government to change its mind.
"I'm asking all commuters, businesses and politicians to join me in calling for the government to back rail devolution for Southeastern - and to help the hundreds of thousands of passengers who currently have appalling journeys on failing government lines."
The decision was labelled a "cop out" by Bob Neill, Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst.
Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead Teresa Pearce also expressed disapointment at the plans.
She said: "I am bitterly disappointed by this announcement, which is a slap in the face to all those people locally who have to endure the misery of travelling on a truly substandard rail service in south east London."
Sensible to reintegrate train+track but failure to transfer metroservice to TfL a cop-out for rail users in our area https://t.co/69syL4WS5n
— Bob Neill (@neill_bob) December 6, 2016
What do you think about the decision? Get in touch on jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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