• To implement the rail objectives in the Mayor's transport strategy
  
• To develop a focused rail plan for London in conjunction with the SRA's national strategy
  
• To work with the Strategic Rail Authority and the rail industry to improve national rail services in London
  
• To progress major new rail projects
  
• To develop national rail's contribution to an integrated public transport system for London
  

Railways are a crucial component of London's transport system and have a major role to play in delivering the Mayor's plans for London. They also contribute to the capital's role as the international gateway to the UK.

Urgent action is needed to develop new rail routes, upgrade the system and raise the standard of services. TfL London Rail, part of Transport for London, has been set up to secure significant improvements, in co-operation with the SRA, Network Rail and train operators.

Although TfL London Rail is not directly responsible for national rail services, a partnership has been established with the Strategic Rail Authority, both to provide input into the franchising process and to help shape future projects and developments to ensure a strategic and successful network in the capital. The aim set out in the Mayor's Transport Strategy and his 'Directions and Guidance' to the Strategic Rail Authority is to ensure that passengers enjoy similar benefits to that experienced in other world major cities, e.g. Paris, which have a single authority with powers to develop strategy and specify and fund all commuter rail services.