Former Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has called for train lines in the borough to be incorporated into London's Overground network, a move he said would bring extra trains and much-needed renovation for "bleak" stations.

The Labour peer said the move would "hugely improve London transport and boost jobs, housing and regeneration" alongside Crossrail 2.

Surrey Comet:

Lord Adonis made the call in the Evening Standard

Lord Adonis wrote in the Evening Standard: "Most of south London, despite 227 stations serving five million people, depends on suburban services which play second fiddle to long-distance rail firms, and which are underdeveloped and poorly managed.

"Much of south London suffers from skeleton services through bleak stations barely touched for a century.

"The Overground’s service standards should be applied, including all-day station staffing, public information systems, Oyster fare zones and improved lighting and maintenance.

"Extra services would follow, alongside the building of new housing, from which much of the cost could be recouped."

He called for an immediate "orange transfer" of commuter lines from Chessington, Surbiton and Kingston when rail franchises are renewed in the coming years.

Stephen Joseph, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "London Overground has transformed poorly performing rail lines into a key part of the capital's transport network.

"It's been so effective that longer trains and platforms are needed. Our research shows that devolved management and accountability are an important part of this success.

"We welcome Andrew Adonis' proposal that other south London rail services could benefit from this approach."

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey said: "This is a fascinating idea. If it was combined with rezoning Kingston and Surbiton to zone five in the renewed franchise then it would definitely deserve consideration."

Conservative parliamentary candidate James Berry said: "I hope this would promote vital upgrades to our south of the borough stations which are not fit for the 21st century.

"Lord Adonis’ proposals refer to the cost being met largely by house building. As far as I am concerned that cannot include any building on our precious greenbelt in Chessington."