The bidding process to find a new Overground operator has begun. 

TfL issued a notice with the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) to select the next train operator to run London Overground services from November 2016 with bidders having until mid-May to register their interest.

During the 2016 term TfL will bring in new trains, higher frequency services and a continuing programme of station upgrades. The contract will also include options to introduce an all-night service at weekends and to extend Gospel Oak to Barking line services to Barking Riverside in 2019.

The new operator will be responsible for supporting these improvements and will be expected to continue to improve London Overground’s performance levels.

Jonathan Fox, TfL’s Director of London Rail, said: “This is a very exciting time for London Overground as we expand our fleet and serve new parts of the capital.

“This bidding process is vital to ensure London Overground’s performance is maintained and improved to make services even better for our customers.”

London Overground will take over the operation of routes running from Liverpool Street station to Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford, on 31 May, as well as services between Romford and Upminster.

These routes will be part of the contract now open to tender and which the successful bidder will operate from 13 November 2016.