Richard Harrington, Member of Parliament for Watford, has secured a meeting with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, along with David Gauke MP, to put forward his idea that will make sure the Metropolitan Line Extension goes ahead.
The Watford MP will meet with Sadiq Khan on 13th October 2017 where he will ask the London Mayor to get on with the job of delivering the Met Line Extension. To make sure that happens, Mr Harrington will suggest that TfL take over the management of the track from Network Rail as a way forward. This would guarantee significant funding for the project by generating private investment, whilst also saving the taxpayer money.
In 2015, Richard Harrington, Member of Parliament for Watford, secured Government funding for the Met Line Extension, which looks to connect the Metropolitan Line up to several stations in Watford. The £284 million project is under the management of Transport for London, but London Mayor Sadiq Khan is yet to deliver on his promises, despite significant investment from the Department for Transport and local stakeholders.
Richard Harrington met privately with Chris Grayling MP to put forward his suggestion that TfL manage the track and Mr Grayling thinks it’s a great idea that will bring in private investment and progress the project.
The Watford MP said:
“I just want the London Mayor to get on with the job of delivering the project and TfL taking over responsibility of the track is a clear practical solution. This will generate significant investment in the project, at no further cost to the public purse!
I see no reason why the London Mayor would not agree to this as he only recently published a report supporting more private investment in the railways.
I have raised this with Chris Grayling MP and he thinks it’s a great idea. I look forward to discussing this with Mayor Sadiq Khan in October and finally moving forward with the project.”