Transport for London (TfL) could take over some rail services between Kent and the capital, BBC reports. TfL has proposed taking over the line when the Southeastern franchise runs out in 2018.
The proposal would see TfL’s Oyster card being used in Gravesend and Sevenoaks on lines currently served by rail operator Southeastern.
Kent County Council said it had discussed the proposal and would not accept any reduction in the service. “However, we are absolutely clear that we will not accept any reduction in service levels as a result of Metro services being transferred from Southeastern to Transport for London. We have also stated that there must be no detrimental effect on Kent’s rail fares following transfer of Metro services to Transport for London. This would need to be guaranteed as part of the Metro transfer agreement between the Department for Transport, Transport for London and the new franchisee,” Matthew Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport from the council said.
The council said it was currently in negotiations with TfL, which already runs train services in parts of Essex.
Matthew Balfour said there were a “number of potential benefits” to rail users.
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