TfL gets right to vary London rail services

The Railways Act 2005 included provision for the Mayor to pay for improved train services on London's inner-suburban network. These powers come into force on August 8th, and some guidelines have been published today. A summary and list of lines involved is here.

Reading through the guidelines, it looks like the main aim is for TfL to help write franchise specifications before they're sent out to tender, of which the next one is Southern in 2009. They will also have the ability to alter existing schedules, either by entering into agreements directly with the train companies, or persuading the DfT to renegotiate the franchise contract.

There's no word yet on how TfL plan to use these powers.