London mayor Ken Livingstone could be handed control of rail services in south Essex with powers over fares and overcrowding it was reported today.
A Government task force is considering an overhaul of the UK network to give Mr Livingstone control of rail services within a 30-mile radius of the capital.
It would give him power over strategy on ticket prices, how many trains run and targeting peak-time overcrowding of commuter services.
Peter Slattery, from the Southend Rail Travellers' Association, said: "Ken has done a great job for public transport in London, so hopefully he can do the same for Essex trains. I'm not sure how feasible it is - but it might be good to have more co-ordination between the Tube, buses and trains."
Pauline Hammerton, 42, of West Road, Westcliff, who commutes on the c2c line, said: "It worries me. At the moment, c2c is saying the line has spare capacity to lose some carriages."
A Government source said: "Greater integration could bring enormous benefits to the millions who use them every day to get around."
Published Thursday July 15, 2004
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