MP needs 'convincing' over Boris Johnson's TFL proposals for Bexley trains (From News Shopper)

Boris Johnson's plan would mean putting on more services in Bexley

1:26pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Bexley By Kelly Smale

MAYOR of London Boris Johnson is calling on the government to hand him the power to make decisions about the capital’s rail services.

Mr Johnson claims the change would save millions of pounds and give passengers more reliable and frequent services, safer and cleaner stations, more staff and simpler fares.

His plan would mean putting on more services in Bexley by introducing ‘turn-up-and-go’ with at least four trains per hour throughout the week.

The new plan would cover services from stations in Crayford, Slade Green, Bexleyheath, Bexley and Sidcup from 2014 onwards.

It would also apply to stations in Albany Park, Erith, Belvedere, Barnehurst, Welling and Falconwood.

Barnehurst station would also be made step-free under an extension of the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme.

MP for Erith and Thamesmead Teresa Pearce said: "Anything that improves the service has to be considered.

"I would like a commitment from Boris to make Erith disabled accessible before I could say if the Mayor would be the right person to deliver improvements.

"I have to say given his track record on denying transport links such the Thames bridge to my constituents I would need some convincing."

TfL has identified Southeastern as a priority for devolution when the franchise comes up for renewal in 2014.

Mr Johnson said: "This service would be more punctual, more reliable, cheaper and would be integrated with the London Underground network.

"It would mean lower fares. Historically Network Rail has put up fares more than Transport for London. This has to be done.

"The fractured organisation of London’s suburban railways is totally inefficient and needs a complete overhaul.

"My vision is for one integrated suburban service operating to the standards we have demonstrated can be achieved on London Overground, which is now one of the most reliable and popular railways in the UK."

Abby Gregory, who commutes from Albany Park to Canary Wharf, said: “This sounds like a great idea and I particularly like the idea of a turn up and go system, but feel they would need to look at more frequent services during rush hour.

“The fact Boris mentions cheaper fares for a more reliable service will help get a lot of commuters on his side for this plan. However, I believe I speak on behalf of many when I say ‘I will believe it when I see it’.”