Transport for London (TfL) has officially submitted a proposal to take control of the mainline rail services from Moorgate station, extending north towards Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage via Hertford North. This initiative aligns with suggestions made in the government’s recent housing strategy, which emphasizes improved transportation links.
TfL’s Great Northern Services Proposal
The planned route, known as the “Great Northern Inners,” includes tunnels from Moorgate to Finsbury Park. North of Alexandra Palace, this route divides toward Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage.
Frequency and Capacity Improvements
TfL aims to significantly enhance service frequency. The business case proposes:
- Doubling off-peak services on the Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North lines from 2 to 4 trains per hour.
- Potential upgrades for the Hertford North line, allowing a maximum of 6 trains per hour.
- Peak-hour upgrades, targeting up to 12 trains per hour into Moorgate and potentially 14 during peak times.
While these improvements will help, challenges exist due to shared tracks, particularly on the Welwyn Garden City line.
Proposed Station Upgrades and Costs
To align with TfL standards, several station upgrades are planned. These include:
- Installation of more seating and new ticket machines.
- Improved departure displays and staff facilities at currently unstaffed stations.
The estimated cost for these enhancements is approximately £47 million, with major upgrades for Crews Hill expected to reach around £70 million. TfL notes that funding could depend on contributed resources, such as land value capture from housing developments.
Support for Housing Developments
This initiative aims to foster housing growth in North London. Current plans include:
- 21,000 homes in Crews Hill
- Possibility of an additional 12,000 homes alongside the railway
Better transport links are crucial for potential buyers, making the proposal a politically and practically appealing route for the government to support.
Timeline and Expectations
If approved, TfL could take over operations in autumn 2027. Improvements to the service are expected within two years of the transition. TfL plans to draw from its past experiences with Silverlink and Greater Anglia for a successful roll-out.
Future Branding and Service Features
A shift to the London Overground branding for these services is anticipated. Most trains will terminate at Moorgate with some services extending to King’s Cross, creating a unified travel experience under the London Overground identity.
This transition reflects TfL’s commitment to enhancing rail services and facilitating essential housing developments along the North London corridor.
