Commuters could see cheaper and more frequent services to London after it was announced that Transport for London is to take control of the suburban rail network in a large scale transformation.

The proposals for a new era of rail travel, published by the Department for Transport and TfL, promises a "better experience" for rail passengers.

Rebranded the "London Overground", services running from Cannon Street, Victoria, Waterloo, Moorgate and London Bridge would all become part of the new network and be managed by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Views are now being sought on the plans which would see the transfer of rail services that operate mostly or wholly within the Greater London boundary to TfL when the current franchises are due for renewal, the first being in 2017.

Services would include Southeastern, South Central (Southern) as well as Great Northern services and the Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR) franchise. South West services are also under discussion.

In the agreement, launched on Thursday (January 21) by Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin and Mayor Boris Johnson, discussions will begin for increased capacity, as well as potential for developing new rail lines.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are committed to making journeys better across London and the south east, and this new partnership represents a huge opportunity to transform travel by putting passengers where they should be – at the heart of the rail network."

Boris Johnson MP, who has long battled for the move, added: “Our railways have been the workhorse of the London economy since Victorian times.

"By working closely together and taking on these new services, we’re going to emulate the success of the London Overground and give the entire capital and surrounding areas the services they truly deserve.”

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Responding to the government’s announcement, Labour’s candidate for Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "Many of London's train users face a daily nightmare of delays, cancellations and overcrowded trains.

"That’s why I’ve been campaigning for some time for the mayor to take control of who runs London’s commuter routes and insist on a better service for passengers.

'While today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, it’s still a consultation with no sign of a proper agreement with the relevant authorities.

"It will do little to address the anger and frustration of commuters who deserve action now."

Conservative mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith took to Twitter to congratulate Boris on the new plans.

The capital’s population is set to rise from 8.6 million today to 10 million by 2030, with London's rail services continuing to be the most popular form of transport across the city.