The Broken Rails report by Caroline Pidgeon and Florence Eshalomi of the GLA found that South London was not well served by rail, suggesting that TFL and NetworkRail were not working closely enough together. The two rail organisations have agreed to prepare a London Strategy report on a rolling basis, joining the dots between them. The organisations will be rebasing and sharing growth models and producing a market study for growth through to 2045.

Network Rail have commenced work. Their first phase will be a "state of the network" report covering corridors and pinchpoints. This would be delivered by early summer 2020. It will be followed by a long list then a short list of ideas for improvements. The aim is to improve frequency of services, even out clockface timing of services (see SouthEastern's timetable between Denmark Hill and Victoria) and move toward metroisation of services in a phased programme.

NetworkRail commented that capacity had to be increased by the use of longer trains (platform extensions), pinchpoint rationalisation and improved signalling. Currently passengers are being left on platforms at stations in Kent due to train over-crowding. It is difficult then to prioritise services in London when this is happening as Londoners often have alternative transport routes albeit less convenient.

We will be seeing improvement in services, it will however take time. In the meantime look out for short term improvements planned for Victoria Station including longer gate lines (to avoid queuing) and improved ambience (including fixing of the roof!).

Watch this space.