Transport for London (TfL) has received backing from the London Assembly Transport Committee to take over the Great Northern route from Moorgate through Enfield into Hertfordshire, as the government considers the bid. TfL submitted its application in September, promising to increase service frequency and “improve the quality of service.”
Under the proposals, Crews Hill station, currently one of the least-used stations in Greater London, would be upgraded to support higher service levels than the current four trains per hour in peak times. The area is one of 12 shortlisted for mass development, which could include up to 21,000 new homes, requiring the station to handle future demand.
Mayor Sadiq Khan described the devolution of services as one of his top priorities, stating: “I’m lobbying the government for the devolution of the Great Northern line, which will really help in Crews Hill and Enfield.”
Transport Committee Chair Elly Baker has written to the Transport Secretary expressing cross-party support. She highlighted that national rail services are “currently under-performing and under-delivering for Londoners” and said devolving the line to TfL could improve reliability, fare integration, and customer information, while unlocking housing delivery and supporting economic activity in both London and Hertfordshire.
TfL Commissioner Andy Lord told the board that the takeover would allow the organisation to “improve the quality of service, enhance customer experience, and deliver a transport service that aligns with the GLA, the Government, and our own shared priorities for housing and planning.” He hopes to secure an ‘Approval in Principle’ by the end of the year.
Campaign group Railfuture has questioned the proposal due to the impending nationalisation of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Great Northern, and raised concerns over accountability for commuters in Hertfordshire. Neil Middleton, Railfuture Vice Chair, said: “We want to see improvements to the service – for reliability, for delivering four trains per hour and for station staffing. The question is, who is best placed to deliver these at the lowest cost to the taxpayer and ticket buyer – Great British Railways or Transport for London?”
A GTR spokesperson highlighted the operator’s track record, including the introduction of modern, air-conditioned trains and the use of in-cab digital signalling from Finsbury Park to Moorgate, which has boosted reliability. The route has also seen station improvements, including upgrades at Enfield Chase, and plans to double off-peak services from Hertford North and increase rush-hour trains from Gordon Hill.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said any devolution decision would need to consider the financial and commercial implications given the current level of taxpayer subsidy. TfL’s proposal remains under review, with ongoing engagement between the department and the organisation.
