TfL raises 'existential' concerns over track access under Great British Railways

"In a submission to the Transport Select Committee's Call for Evidence, TfL writes that it welcomes the proposed Railways Bill as a step towards a simpler and more reliable railway, but raises concerns about how the national railway would affect TfL services. Although most of TfL's network is under its own control, it does share some infrastructure with the national railway, and in places, rents tracks from them. Most obvious are the London Overground and Elizabeth line, which both use National Rail tracks for some or all of their services."

"Some of the concerns raised relate to accountability, and how devolved transport bodies - such as regional Mayors and TfL - will be able to ensure their views are also heard by the bodies overseeing the future Great British Railways (GBR) when it is making decisions. This is particularly pertinent to decisions about upgrades, whether to tracks or stations, and how TfL would ensure that its issues aren't ignored in favour of wider considerations."

"They're particularly concerned about how GBR will respond to the Mayor's Transport Strategy, which is set by the Mayor of London. It does raise the risk of democratic conflict if the nationally elected government's transport policy conflicts with the London Mayor's policy over assets shared by GBR and TfL. TfL even goes so far as to say the lack of assurances that GBR would provide fair and equal access to all operators needing access to its tracks could be an "existential issue" for TfL. While highly unlikely, there is a theoretical risk that GBR could refuse to allow TfL-operated trains onto its track"

Transport for London warns unclear clauses in the Great British Railways legislation could create long-term operational uncertainty for TfL. TfL welcomes the proposed Railways Bill but expresses concern about effects on services that share or rent national tracks. London Overground, the Elizabeth line and parts of the District and Bakerloo lines use National Rail-owned infrastructure in places. TfL raises accountability and democratic risk concerns about how devolved bodies and the Mayor will influence GBR decisions on upgrades and access. TfL warns lack of assurances on fair access to GBR tracks could be existential, noting a theoretical refusal risk.

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