London trains are about to become the Overground: Transport for London will take over running of commuter trains into capital from Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern
London's rail services will be taken over by Transport for London (TfL) in an effort to improve services into the capital.
The news comes after another evening of commuter misery which left thousands of commuters stranded at Liverpool Street Station.
Trains operating within greater London will come under the control of TfL when the franchises come up for renewal, and could include services running into London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Moorgate, Victoria and Waterloo.
Southeastern's franchise expires in 2018, South West Trains in 2017 and Southern in 2021.
The move was a "no-brainer", said Valerie Shawcross, chair of the London Assembly transport committee.
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“One of the main reasons why the transport committee advocated a devolved rail network is because we know that passengers want improvements on the rail service they use.
"They were most concerned with price and performance, which is perfectly understandable given the rising cost of rail travel. TfL has managed its Overground networks very effectively, so the majority of commuters would be happy to see them take control."
The centre for London think tank last week outlined the benefits of taking commuter services away from rail companies and putting Transport for London in control.
Read more: Why south London desperately needs the Overground
“South Londoners have been badly served by the rail network for years," said director Ben Rogers. "Giving the Mayor control over London's suburban rail is a big step forward. It could improve the journeys of millions of Londoners and help generate new homes and jobs south of the Thames."
The full details are due to be announced by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin and London transport commissioner Mike Brown shortly.
The plans, which will be consulted on, have met with widespread support.