The Mayor of London has claimed commuters have been let down by the government following ongoing "chaos" from Southern rail strikes.

This week, rail passengers have been hit by industrial action, with more set to come throughout the rest of December and into the New Year.

In a video message, Mr Khan says the planned 24-hour walkout on the Piccadilly, Hammersmith and City and Circle lines was pulled due to successful talks with Transport for London (TfL), insinuating the same would have happened if it had control of Southern services coming into the capital.

However, this week commuters have experienced continuous delays on the Underground due to continuing problems on the Piccadilly line.

The disruption is expected to last into next week and there are "severe delays" today (Friday, December 9) on the tube.

Southern commuters have been hit by 'chaos'

Mr Khan said: "I want to speak directly to every commuter affected by this week's strikes on Southern rail.

"You pay too much for delays, cancellations and disruption.

"You deserve a better service.

"Southern commuters have been abandoned by the government.

"You've had months of chaos.

"But it doesn't have to be like this.

"There were originally two strikes planned this week.

"One on Southern rail - which is the responsibility of the govnerment. And one on the TfL Underground - for which I am responsible.

"TfL engaged with the unions and got the Underground strikes cancelled.

"Since I became Mayor the number of days lost to strikes on the Underground reduced by 92%.

More strikes are planned

"Commuters get a better service when we engage.

"This is yet another reason why the government should give TfL control of commuter lines like Southern, Southeastern and South West.

"You would get a more frequent and reliable service under TfL - with fewer strikes.

"And fares would be more affordable - with one four-year freeze on all TfL fares.

"This is far more important than any party politics.

"You can make a difference by using your commute tonight to write to the Transport Secretary and the Prime Minister urging them to act.

"Together, we can secure the decent and affordable commute that you deserve."

Commuters have faced delays and cancellations due to Southern rail services, whilst paying high prices for tickets

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling rejected Mr Khan's plans to control rail services coming to the capital earlier this week, saying he only wants Transport for London (TfL) to be "closely involved".

Despite former Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin assuring Londoners TfL would take control of suburban rail as each franchise came up for renewal, the decision has now been "formally rejected".

Sadiq Khan said commuters have been let down by the government (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

London Assembly members on Tuesday (December 7) urged the Cabinet to rethink the decision, claiming it did not put train passengers first.

Here is a list of upcoming Southern strikes:

  • Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December (ASLEF & RMT drivers’ strike)
  • Friday 16 December (ASLEF & RMT drivers’ strike)
  • Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 December (RMT conductors’ strike) – changed date
  • Saturday 31 December to Monday 2 January (RMT conductors’ strike)
  • Monday 9 to Saturday 14 January (ASLEF & RMT drivers’ strike)

In a statement on its website, ASLEF said: "ASLEF members on Southern Railways have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a trade dispute over the company’s decision to force through driver-only operation on the franchise.

"We say there should be no introduction and/or extension of new driver-only operated routes on Southern without the agreement of ASLEF."

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