London rail plan 'unworkable'

Ministers are set to reject Ken Livingstone's plans to take charge of London's rail network.

The London Mayor last month submitted the outline proposal to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, as part of the Government's rail industry review. But Government sources said the plans have been dismissed as unworkable.

Under Mr Livingstone's proposals, Transport for London would oversee the running of the capital's suburban rail network alongside the bus and road system. Bob Kiley, London's transport commissioner, would in effect assume many of the powers currently held by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) controlled by Richard Bowker.

In his outline proposals to the Government, Mr Livingstone said he would be able to run the trains more efficiently, offer more frequent services, provide better station facilities and integrate tube and train tickets.

However, it is understood the Department for Transport believes that implementing the plan would be difficult because most of London's railway lines are fed from outside the capital. "Drawing the line on where the Mayor's control begins and ends would be very difficult," said one source.

The SRA, which has most to lose from the proposals, has described the Mayor's plan as "a very bad idea". Network Rail, the company which replaced Railtrack, agrees. "It is completely unworkable. It would lead to even more fragmentation," said a spokesman.

A Transport for London spokeswoman said: "The Mayor of London's proposal for a London Regional Rail Authority has been discussed in detail with senior officials within the rail industry and the Department for Transport.

"The proposal has been well received as addressing not only the needs of London but also the wider regional and national requirements for all transport."