KEN Livingstone has announced a new metro rail service for south London.

A £500,000 pilot scheme for "turn up and go" trains will be launched in September on four routes, including the Connex South Eastern route from Dartford to London Bridge via Greenwich.

The Mayor of London says he wants to see the scheme extended to other parts of London with costs shared by London Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority.

He said: "The aim is to raise standards to include more frequent services, longer trains, improved station facilities and integration, and more passenger information."

Mr Livingstone also says the long-awaited Crossrail scheme, which will link east and west London with a train service between the Isle of Dogs and Woolwich, is set to be approved by the Government within months.

The Government is also expected to announce its decision on whether the route will go through Charlton or through Royal Docks by the end of February.

Len Duvall, London Assembly member for Greenwich and Lewisham, welcomed the news on the metro service and Crossrail.

He said: "Most of Greenwich is not served by a tube, which makes over-ground rail travel the only real option for those wishing to travel into central London.

"I am also pleased to hear good progress is being made on the DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal."

January 28, 2003 11:30