PLANS for Transport for London (TfL) to take control of the capital’s suburban commuter network from rail companies has been hailed as good news for Surrey passengers.

Following the announcement that all suburban lines in the capital - including much of the South West Trains network - will be integrated into TfL’s Overground network as its current franchises expire, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for environment and planning Mike Goodman said: “With four Surrey services among the top 10 most overcrowded trains in the country we welcome any plans that boost businesses and improve journeys.

“We’re already fully behind the Crossrail 2 project to cut overcrowding and promote economic growth and these proposals offer potential benefits too.

“But we need to be clear that any changes will increase capacity in Surrey and won’t have a detrimental impact on rail fares or passengers using services coming from much further afield, which is why we’ll work with TfL to ensure that our firms and residents see improvements as well as Londoners.”

The plans will see TfL control services as far afield as Sevenoaks, Epsom, Chessington, and Hertford - resulting in more frequent trains, improved staffing at stations, newer trains, TfL zone fares, and environmental improvements to stations.

Although the Alton-to-Waterloo line via Farnham will not be directly affected, it is hoped the re-organisation will free up capacity on the South West mainline tracks bringing far-reaching benefits for passengers.

The timing of the incorporation of South West Trains’ suburban network is currently under negotiation but could be handed to TfL as early as 2019.