SOUTH LONDON METRO: HYPE OR HOPE?

12.00.00am GMT Wed 15th Oct 2003

The launch of a pilot scheme for metro-style rail services in South London has been welcomed by Lynne Featherstone, LibDem transport spokesperson at the London Assembly.

"ON: The Overground Network" has been launched by the Strategic Rail Authority, the Association of Train Operating Companies and Transport for London.

The pilot is being launched on four key South London rail routes. It aims to guarantee a minimum of four trains per hour during daytime off peak. In addition, 41 stations will get better signage and information, including Tube-style maps showing the routes and details about onward connections. New CCTV cameras will also be introduced to help with safety.

Lynne commented: "We will monitor some of these stations to see whether there is any significant improvement. Four trains an hour does not necessarily mean 'turn up and go' - there can still be gaps of 25 minutes under these plans.

"Stations are all too often scarred by graffiti and strewn with litter. Marketing and information can certainly increase ridership - but we need service improvement too. Passengers need hope, not hype."

Lines involved are Waterloo to Teddington via Wimbledon, Waterloo to Twickenham via Richmond, Victoria to East/West Croydon and London Bridge to Dartford via Greenwich. If you can help by volunteering to monitor station improvements, please contact Lynne Featherstone via lynne@lynnefeatherstone.org